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 The thefts are part of a trend in the Bay Area that began when the burgeoning tech industry first gained a foothold in Silicon Valley. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025 Finding new ways to communicate In previous years, many brands used sustainability as a foothold for activism, and their communications became proudly political in the process. Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025 Analysts say Seoul’s recent regulatory approach toward foreign technology companies has raised concerns in Washington, which sees the deal as a chance to restore investor confidence and curb China’s growing foothold in the region. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Born out of wedlock to a celebrated general, Hedda’s father has left her with only his opulent, Chekhovian gun collection and a precarious foothold in high society. Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • Earlier in the year, Chuck Schumer, the Minority Leader, had rallied enough votes to keep the government open and faced a furious backlash from the Democratic base; capitulating again would have been politically intolerable.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Players face off against notorious villains, solve puzzles and navigate through iconic locations brought to life from the live-action series, including the Marine base, Alvida’s hideout, Arlong Park and Buggy’s tent.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • If Alt was going to be in the lineup, the Chargers had a chance to piece their front together and potentially contend, even after losing tackle Rashawn Slater for the season because of a training camp knee injury.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In Kakuma, a vast refugee camp near the South Sudan border, starting in spring, our documentary team followed clinicians and families inside the stabilization unit at Clinic 7, where the sickest children come.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Colina Pousada Spa Perched high on a hilltop, Colina Pousada Spa offers 180-degree views, from the island’s tallest peak to the old fortress.
    Carla Vianna, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Such structures, including residences and fortresses, were created by religious authorities and noble families, according to the city’s tourism website.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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