foundation

noun

fau̇n-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce foundation (audio)
Definition of foundationnext
1
as in institute
a public organization with a particular purpose or function donated to a foundation that supported cancer research

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in basis
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests she had a good enough foundation in math to pursue an economics degree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 foundation After a season defined by statistical extremes, Kittley believes one of FAU’s greatest strengths entering Year 2 is its ability to build on a promising foundation that has remained largely intact. — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 The striped linen seat cushion provides a comfy foundation for anyone lucky enough to be invited in for cocktail hour. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026 Yes, and again, having this amazing foundation to start with football, with UFC, with next-day Survivor and Amazing Race. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 For application, use your fingers or a foundation brush, blending evenly across the face. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foundation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foundation
  1. institute
  2. basis
  3. institution
  4. cornerstone
  5. group
  6. bedrock
Noun
  • The institute Asher works for has used AI to tap into the memories of the oldest living creatures on earth (the giant sea turtle), unearthing testimony of the long history of mankind’s horrors.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Araj’s institute is funding research on how to make old lenses young.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • Despite his failures to win the big games, Franklin won at a level plenty of schools and fan bases would welcome.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In an attempt to combat the limited water supply, the Puerto Rican government is turning off residents’ access to the necessity on a rotating 48-hour basis.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Moreover, the partnership serves as a historic moment, as the two institutions are exploring new sensory frontiers together for the first time.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • Take a left on the president of the Confederacy who made the torture of Black bodies the cornerstone of his new nation.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Both candidates see modernizing the office’s systems and expanding access to the public as cornerstones of their campaigns.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • Brazilians lead the way in seven different age groups, from Philippe Coutinho at 16 all the way to Neymar aged 31.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The group of officers included at least two plainclothes officers wearing bulletproof vests, who arrived in an unmarked car shortly before the shooting.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • The model includes information about the stream and surrounding area, such as elevation, slope of the stream, how straight the stream is, the number of streams nearby, average precipitation and geology of the bedrock layer.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Multiple titles also chart for Millennials and the Gen Z the evolution of bedrock relations beyond those of nuclear families.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bedrock

Browse Nearby Words

found
foundation
foundationless
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on foundation

Nglish: Translation of foundation for Spanish Speakers

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