as in foundations
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
a concern for basic human rights was the cornerstone of the president's foreign policy
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Recent Examples of cornerstones
Freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy.
—
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
In Minnesota, all of the ideological cornerstones of MAGA have been proved false at once.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Between Kansas wing Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, the top of the 2026 draft class is projected to have multiple potential franchise cornerstones.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Instead of focusing on the performers, the 360-degree action centers on the audience — specifically, the women — with cornerstones of confidence, celebration and empowerment.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
So there has been a quiet uproar behind the scenes in the automotive world after Peugeot designers dared to meddle with one of the cornerstones of car design.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
Anyone who follows Texas knows that defense and taking care of the ball are the cornerstones of this program, and while the Horns did force the Gamecocks into a bounty of miscues, their own missteps blunted a great chance to get a bounce-back after losing 70-65 at LSU on Sunday.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Their cornerstones are edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks this season and power an elite pass rush that allows for schematic simplicity behind them.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, hydration, and ample sleep are the cornerstones of her youthful appearance.
—Elise Tabin, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
In Minnesota, all of the ideological cornerstones of MAGA have been proved false at once.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Between Kansas wing Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, the top of the 2026 draft class is projected to have multiple potential franchise cornerstones.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Instead of focusing on the performers, the 360-degree action centers on the audience — specifically, the women — with cornerstones of confidence, celebration and empowerment.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
So there has been a quiet uproar behind the scenes in the automotive world after Peugeot designers dared to meddle with one of the cornerstones of car design.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
Anyone who follows Texas knows that defense and taking care of the ball are the cornerstones of this program, and while the Horns did force the Gamecocks into a bounty of miscues, their own missteps blunted a great chance to get a bounce-back after losing 70-65 at LSU on Sunday.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
Their cornerstones are edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks this season and power an elite pass rush that allows for schematic simplicity behind them.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, hydration, and ample sleep are the cornerstones of her youthful appearance.
—Elise Tabin, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cornerstones
Noun
-
These were foundations of the Twin Cities’ empowering and vibrant civic culture.—
Harry Boyte,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.—
Jocelyn Gecker,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Nov. 2025
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cornerstones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cornerstones. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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