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

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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 Interest in OpenAI’s rivals grew only after ChatGPT had already established a foothold in congressional offices, Harris said. Luke Fountain,emily Wilkins, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 However, militants have resurfaced in the valley in recent months, fueling fears that the Pakistani Taliban are seeking to regain a foothold in the region. CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 But militants have resurfaced in Pakistan’s Swat Valley in recent months, fueling fears that the Pakistani Taliban is seeking to regain a foothold in the region. Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Private equity even has a solid foothold in college sports now. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • Even the base Luxury King and Luxury Two Queen weigh in at around 650 square feet, with a step-down living area that makes work trips feel less like working out of your bedroom.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • At first base during the second half, the Mets have mostly started Young, who has played well.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • At evacuation camps across Flores, children played under tarpaulin shelters while aid workers and volunteers provided psychosocial support alongside food and medical assistance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Recent Chiefs camp videos show that Mahomes has progressed since then.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Rocca di Fregosa, a fortress atop a natural cliff overlooking the Marecchia River valley, dominates the hamlet visually.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Now, a selection of these objects are on view as part of a summer festival at the Damascus Citadel, a former military fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that recently reopened.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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