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

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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 In the later stage of the challenge, tribes were tasked with finding a way to climb a steep ramp with no footholds to reach a puzzle platform. Keisha Rowe, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Feb. 2026 The disclosure of the investigation’s results — a first for the company — comes amid prediction markets looking to gain a foothold in Hollywood. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026 More While China installs robots in factories at a much faster pace than the US, their bots haven’t yet gotten a significant foothold in the American manufacturing ecosystem. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026 Maybe Garner’s extra quality in midfield would have allowed Everton more of a foothold. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • Technique varies from athlete to athlete, with some choosing to boot up the kids at home (or hotel) and others opting to boot up in the base lodge.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Times noted its substantial subscriber base there has contributed significantly to its growth abroad.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Bekaa Valley is home to numerous camps housing Syrian refugees.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Top prospect Spencer Jones is also in camp, but he’s been expected to start the season back in Triple A.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the centre of Erbil, the fortress-like Citadel, a Unesco World Heritage Site inhabited for more than 6,000 years, is currently undergoing a lengthy restoration.
    Nicola Chilton, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Your best bet for landing a slumber party at this fortress would be to start planning a destination wedding to the Scottish Highlands, as the castle can be booked as a wedding venue.
    Alison McDermott, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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