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
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Recent Examples of cornerstone
Open, honest, and transparent information—thorough enough for meaningful discussion without inundating directors with details—is a cornerstone to maintaining a trusting relationship between the board and management.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Eisgruber, who is a scholar of constitutional law, believes that Sullivan is the cornerstone of American free-speech law.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The cornerstone of this system is the NPT, which opened for signature in 1968 and now enjoys close to universal membership.
—Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Those three words are the cornerstones of what Hetherman has preached daily since taking over as defensive coordinator in January.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Eisgruber, who is a scholar of constitutional law, believes that Sullivan is the cornerstone of American free-speech law.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The cornerstone of this system is the NPT, which opened for signature in 1968 and now enjoys close to universal membership.
—Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Those three words are the cornerstones of what Hetherman has preached daily since taking over as defensive coordinator in January.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cornerstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cornerstone
Noun
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The 2023 writers’ strike opened up airtime on ABC on a weekly basis and contributed to a 29% jump in ratings.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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Anyone who possessed this overwhelming desire to face near certain death on a regular basis is going to be unusual.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Cook wants the foundation to also benefit other neurodivergent kids, like those with ADHD or dyslexia.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Oct. 2025
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The foundation of this look is a timeless trench, like the Orolay lightweight double-breasted overcoat.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Middle Tennessee's erosion-prone limestone and other hard bedrock have historically precluded Nashville leadership from exploring underground transportation.—
Hadley Hitson,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Sep. 2025
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The very bedrock of our values as a country and the democratic pillars of our government that once seemed immovable are being completely destroyed right now.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cornerstone. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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