Synonyms of cornerstone

cornerstone

noun

ˈkȯr-nər-ˌstōn 

as in basis

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests

a concern for basic human rights was the cornerstone of the president's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• groundwork
• keystone
• justification
• root
• core
• base
• ground
• framework
• underpinning
• premise
• theory
• support
• footing
• focus
• essence
• warp
• warp and woof
• bottom
• infrastructure
• backbone
• center
• assumption
• rationale
• heart
• shore
• substratum
• mount
• bed
• thesis
• presumption
• kernel
• prop
• anchorage
• warrant
• substructure
• bulwark
• nucleus
• hub
• stay
• brace
• buttress
• presupposition
• supposition
• touchstone
• seat
• soul
• eye
• quintessence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cornerstone

Tom’s evolution from a young advisor to a cornerstone of our firm perfectly illustrates why mentorship is the lifeblood of any thriving organization. — Corey McQuade, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The cornerstone of such ideas is a child’s right to uninterrupted care by a parent – the bond of love at the heart of a society’s harmony. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

Pandemic policies questioned The White House also challenged several cornerstone public health measures adopted during the pandemic. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

The decision to make Carter an organizational cornerstone will impact the team through the end of this decade — and beyond. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 28 July 2026