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

On the other hand, vehicle stops – which are widely considered to be one of the most dangerous law enforcement activities – have always been a cornerstone for local police, which are trained extensively on how to appropriately conduct them. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Founded in 1944 by Jimmie and Minnie McKee, the Excelsior Club was once a cornerstone of Black culture in Charlotte. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

And a starting rotation containing two cornerstones who have shown up for a total of eight games. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Vessel Monitoring Systems became a cornerstone of this strategy. — IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026