as in cornerstone
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
a sense of history is the keystone to the city's draw as a tourist destination
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Recent Examples of keystone
Kim learned that beavers are a keystone species — an organism that holds an ecosystem together.
—
Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
In January of 2022, the brand purchased sponsor rights to Chase Field’s keystone feature, then branded it as the Cremily Pool Suite.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
The theory of evolution, one of the keystones of modern biological theory, is based on the idea that living things on Earth can be traced back to other preexisting types and that the differences are due to modifications that occurred over successive generations.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
This humble dry cleaner, a de jure Chicago landmark, has been photographed by professionals and amateurs alike; has appeared in books, films and music videos; and has become a keystone in conversations about the significance of Chicago’s South Side to this city’s architectural heritage.
—Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keystone
Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
In January of 2022, the brand purchased sponsor rights to Chase Field’s keystone feature, then branded it as the Cremily Pool Suite.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
The theory of evolution, one of the keystones of modern biological theory, is based on the idea that living things on Earth can be traced back to other preexisting types and that the differences are due to modifications that occurred over successive generations.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
This humble dry cleaner, a de jure Chicago landmark, has been photographed by professionals and amateurs alike; has appeared in books, films and music videos; and has become a keystone in conversations about the significance of Chicago’s South Side to this city’s architectural heritage.
—Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keystone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keystone
Noun
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Johnston and D’Amaro also made strong statements of faith in ESPN as a cornerstone of Disney for years to come, amid perennial speculation that the Mouse House might sell all or part of the Worldwide leader.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
6 May 2026
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The cornerstone of Musk's business empire, SpaceX benefits from billions of dollars in government contracts to provide launch services for classified satellites and other payloads using both its Falcon 9 rocket and its more powerful Falcon Heavy.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Littell loaded the bases with one out in the fourth.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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Rambus reported a first-quarter operating margin of 42%, on an adjusted basis, which was lower than the 46% reported in the year-ago period.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When your foundation feels steady, everything else begins to move forward with more ease.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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Life forms of increasing complexity filled the seas, providing the evolutionary foundations for nearly every phylum alive today.—
Marlowe Starling,
Quanta Magazine,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The democratic tradition in America of the president being a civilian remains a bedrock principle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
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Synthetic ceramics have become the bedrock of modern life, and they are now found in everything from hip replacements to cell phone casings.—
Caitlin Kennedy,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Keystone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keystone. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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