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 Prasad inherits deep robotics expertise, an industrial parent and a growing commercial foundation. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 The high total and both teams’ rushing production give your under a credible foundation. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Still, the foundation is set under Sweeney, who heads an NBA team for the first time after years as a top assistant in the league. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 And although the lack of communication between the family and the foundation has sowed its fair share of discord, the situation is a bit thornier than that. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 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
  • Iran appears to be targeting vessels conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a military institute.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The mysterious death of a lab worker at a plague research institute in Siberia drew global attention to a region where disease risks run as deep as the permafrost.
    — Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of institute
Noun
  • Halpin watched the ball clear the wall in right-center then launched his bat over his head and into the sky before rounding the bases.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Brewers third baseman David Hamilton rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the ninth inning.
    — Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • When the Fondation Cartier exhibition ends, the factory will be returned to Ghana for permanent installation in Kumasi, where Mahama plans to build a new institution.
    — Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Research expenditure at higher education institutions rose 11%, to approximately $48 billion.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • The Spurs believe the most imposing version of their defensive cornerstone has yet to arrive.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Since its introduction, hydroxyurea has become a cornerstone of sickle cell disease treatment that has helped thousands successfully manage their condition.
    — Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • The case originates from a change in admissions policy that began a decade ago, when a consulting group was hired to evaluate how the school system chose students for its middle school magnet programs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The money will go to conservation groups and local partners working on species the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies as endangered, critically endangered, or extinct in the wild.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Much of its ice rests on bedrock below sea level, while its floating ice shelves help regulate how quickly ice flows toward the sea.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The Chiefs’ offense hit its bedrock that night, with Mahomes firing 10 straight incompletions in a loss that all but ended their playoff hopes.
    — Sam McDowell October 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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