as in creator
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor
Maria Montessori was the founder of an educational system dedicated to maximizing a child's creative potential
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to collapse
to be unsuccessful
the theater company foundered after its corporate funding dried up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to go
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the twin towers started to sway and suddenly foundered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 founder
Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Stephen Gutowski is the founder of the Reload.
—Stephen Gutowski, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Judging just by the opening day crowd at the new outlet on Route 44 in Avon, the company’s model shows no sign of foundering despite the turbulent economy.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for founder
Noun
An hour before his death, Smith had been volunteering to bring food to homeless people, according to an Instagram post by Scott Wagers, a pastor and founder of the outreach group Community Homeless Alliance Ministries.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Stephen Gutowski is the founder of the Reload.
—Stephen Gutowski, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
Verb
Although in the commercial world, many print publications have foundered, data indicate that for alumni magazines, print remains powerful.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Judging just by the opening day crowd at the new outlet on Route 44 in Avon, the company’s model shows no sign of foundering despite the turbulent economy.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for founder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for founder
Noun
-
If its touch-sensitive pads and app integration deliver on their ease-of-use promises, this quirky little hybrid could easily become the company’s next viral hit for casual creators.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2026
-
By developing tech skills online, these content creators are showing young girls that tech and science technology, engineering arts and mathematic (STEAM) careers are accessible and can be customized to fit their interests.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
June 21,
Sacbee.com,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Over 14 months, Safiya -- a pediatrician by training -- became one of the most prominent voices in Gaza, speaking out on social media about the strip's collapsing healthcare system.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
-
In mature markets like Oregon and Colorado, wholesale flower prices have collapsed dramatically.—
Peter Su,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
The Phillies duo followed up their historic night on Saturday in which Schwarber hit three home runs and Harper hit for the cycle, by both going deep against the Mets again.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
-
How airlines and airports can do better Maglione and Riccobono both said that training and implementing new technology can go a long way toward improving the flying experience for blind travelers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
The James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 and is named for the legendary cookbook author who has been called America’s first foodie.—
Jeanne Bonner,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
The foundation’s media awards, honoring cookbook authors, journalists and other media professionals, were presented Saturday, June 13.—
Brock Keeling,
Daily News,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
In Late Summer In late summer, iris plants can become disheveled-looking and even flop over.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
-
Replay shows the defender never made meaningful contact and the offensive player overly-exaggerated the contact (flopped).—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Social Security benefits – paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired – are typically scheduled to go out on Wednesdays.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
Going to go out there and try to do my best and execute.—
Doug Ferguson,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
In the years since, Harry, 41, has made several short trips back to the UK, most notably attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
-
My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
With one out in the sixth and Nick Loftin at third, Tolbert twice failed to get down safety-squeeze bunts.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
-
Ryan Ward scored the winning run after Baltimore catcher Samuel Basallo failed to catch right fielder Tyler O’Neill’s throw to the plate.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Founder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/founder. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
