foundational
adjective
foun·da·tion·al
fau̇n-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 
: of, relating to, or forming or serving as a base or foundation : fundamental
foundational principles/doctrines
These foundational volumes proved to be, each in its own way, enabling gestures for the growth of sophisticated theories and critical practices in African, Caribbean, and African American literatures.—
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.Property was, in a sense, foundational to culture, since English political economy rested on the private ownership of land, and the political economy, in turn, largely structured social relations.—Jill Lepore
Jill LeporePhilosophy is a foundational discipline. Not only does it do the spadework that makes the construction of other disciplines possible; it also pays constant attention to the foundations of those disciplines as they are practiced.—Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science
foundationally
adverb
Examples of foundational in a Sentence
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Perhaps accidentally, or instinctually, Hajipour joined the centuries-long tradition of verse as political commentary that is a foundational pillar of our national identity.
—Fatemeh Jamalpour, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
These foundational practices prevent the organizational chaos that derails momentum when teams scale.
—Dmitrii Fadeev, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Trucking, like many foundational sectors, is undergoing significant transformation.
—Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
His straightforward approach and real-world experience have earned him recognition as a foundational figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
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Fatemeh Jamalpour, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
These foundational practices prevent the organizational chaos that derails momentum when teams scale.
—Dmitrii Fadeev, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Trucking, like many foundational sectors, is undergoing significant transformation.
—Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
His straightforward approach and real-world experience have earned him recognition as a foundational figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foundational
Cite this Entry
“Foundational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foundational. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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