1
as in institutions
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 cornerstones
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
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Recent Examples of foundations
Some clerics control enormous charitable foundations worth billions of dollars through donations from followers and budgets from the state, while others operate modest local mosques with minimal resources.
—
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Still, her median grant size, around $5 million, according to Yield Giving data analyzed by Fortune, dwarfs that of the roughly $123,000 median grant from typical foundations, Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, told The New York Times.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026
Even 30 years ago, the Court’s view rested on shaky empirical foundations.
—Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The gas can seep into homes through cracks in foundations or basement floors; gaps around pipes, cables, or utility lines; construction joints where walls and floors meet; and crawlspaces or dirt floors, the county said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Unlike heavier foundations that can settle into fine lines or emphasize texture, this lightweight formula delivers sheer coverage that evens skin tone while doubling as daily sun protection, too.
—Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
When styled just right, pieces that come in shades of rich and creamy ivories, beiges, or whites with gray or yellow foundations can combine to create an incredibly sophisticated monochromatic look.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Still, her median grant size, around $5 million, according to Yield Giving data analyzed by Fortune, dwarfs that of the roughly $123,000 median grant from typical foundations, Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, told The New York Times.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026
Even 30 years ago, the Court’s view rested on shaky empirical foundations.
—Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The gas can seep into homes through cracks in foundations or basement floors; gaps around pipes, cables, or utility lines; construction joints where walls and floors meet; and crawlspaces or dirt floors, the county said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Unlike heavier foundations that can settle into fine lines or emphasize texture, this lightweight formula delivers sheer coverage that evens skin tone while doubling as daily sun protection, too.
—Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Those who charge that mail ballots are not secure undermine confidence in elections, without proof, and discourage participation, erode trust, and weaken the very foundations of self-government.
—Coalition, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
When styled just right, pieces that come in shades of rich and creamy ivories, beiges, or whites with gray or yellow foundations can combine to create an incredibly sophisticated monochromatic look.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foundations
Noun
-
When institutions operate in a constant state of decay, crisis management replaces strategic planning, and long-term reform becomes impossible.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Negotiations intended to keep alive the M Health Fairview partnership were complex, according to those involved, in part because of the breadth of the three institutions.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
This corroborates findings from other think tanks and institutes that have tracked corporate activity since the tariffs dropped.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
20 Jan. 2026
-
European Film Promotion, a network of film promotion institutes from 37 countries in Europe, has unveiled the lineup of six films taking part in its Europe!—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In the event of a counter-protest, police can separate the two groups — as long as the groups can still see and hear each other.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Jan. 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
Noun
-
Generations of children grew up on these grounds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Believe it or not, poor hygiene can be grounds for removal from a flight.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foundations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foundations. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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