Definition of footholdnext
as in base
a place from which an advance (as for military operations) is made don't let the opposing team push us back down the field and gain a foothold

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of foothold Chinese and Russian intelligence are believed to have a foothold on the island. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 Keeping your lawn thick and healthy with good sunlight, proper mowing, fertilization, and deep watering helps prevent ground ivy from gaining a foothold. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 Regret may be more acute for young grads due to the stress of securing a career foothold, with research from the Federal Reserve finding that middle-aged workers are generally more positive about the value of their college degrees than younger Americans. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Life imitating art By the time Artemis astronauts begin assembling a real foothold at the Moon’s south pole, the blueprint will feel oddly familiar, at least to those sim addicts who have been dreaming of a functional moon colony for decades now. Alan Bradley, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • When runners are on base, the hitters are unable to drive them in for runs.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The company's base home warranty plans are affordable at $55 to $65 per month, and add-ons are often between $3 and $8 each.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Families of children and counselors who died last July expressed relief at news the camp had heeded pleas to remain closed while investigations continue.
    Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The statement said representatives and attorneys for the camp would not be available for further comment.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For security officials, building a fortress is relatively easy.
    Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • No such fortress for the federal and state officials who face growing number of threats in communities across the country.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on foothold

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster