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

By the 1980s, England was beginning its turn away from churchgoing as a cornerstone of society, so nothing as extroverted or nakedly clerical as gospel choirs would fit a downcast, monochromatic land anyhow. — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

The Spurs believe the most imposing version of their defensive cornerstone has yet to arrive. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Talarico has made populist economic messaging a cornerstone of his campaign, and his economic plan includes measures like increasing taxes for the wealthiest Americans. — Casey Murray, Houston Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2026

The goal was Clarke’s first since the Kings’ young defensive cornerstone signed a five-year, $37-million deal last June. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026