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

Giving Washington a makeover, from the Kennedy Center to the triumphal arch, has been a cornerstone of his second term in office. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Accountability is certainly a cornerstone of democracy, but there’s no question this recall referendum effort has brought its share of drama, social media sparring and ill will to a community that has plenty of other things to contend with. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

The Titans, on the other hand, are 1-6 and have traded away one of their franchise cornerstones. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Qualified caregivers are the cornerstone of high-quality childcare. — Caitlyn Collins, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026