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 The eldest among them had established early footholds in their careers before COVID hit. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 As millions of Venezuelan refugees moved through Latin America, Tren de Aragua established criminal footholds along migration corridors, extending its reach into Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and eventually the United States. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Meanwhile, Elon has sought to expand its foothold in Charlotte in recent years. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026 Ignoring Weeds While many garden plants grow more slowly in hot weather, some weeds are undaunted by heat and use hot spells to gain a foothold in gardens. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • Deep overhanging eaves cast long shadows across geometric leadlight windows, while thick bands of locally quarried sandstone wrap the base – Griffin’s signature, written not in ink but in stone.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • Here’s a look at some key position battles to follow throughout camp and the preseason, plus some players on the fringe who will need to stand out.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Rehab, 48, whose home was destroyed in a drone strike at a displacement camp in El-Obeid in June, said the past few weeks had been among the hardest since the war began.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • As recidivist would-be escapees, de Boeldieu, Marechal, and Rosenthal are transferred to an impregnable medieval fortress, commanded by Captain von Rauffenstein, now burnt, broken in body, and wearing a neck brace.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
  • Cancer doesn’t just create a fortress in the body to curb attacks.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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