Definitions

linchpin

[linch-pin] / ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn /

NOUN

cornerstone

Synonyms

STRONGEST

essential foundation keystone mainstay pillar

STRONG

anchor base mainspring

WEAK

key element main ingredient

NOUN

keynote

Synonyms

STRONG

basis center core cornerstone criterion crux essence gist heart idea kernel keystone mainspring marrow measure motive nub pith principle root source spring standard substance

WEAK

basic idea central idea

Antonyms

STRONG

end exterior exteriority outside periphery result surface

NOUN

keynote/keystone

Synonyms

WEAK

basic idea basis center core cornerstone criterion crux gist heart idea kernel mainspring marrow measure motive nub pith principle root source spring standard substance

NOUN

mainstay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backbone bulwark pillar

STRONG

anchor brace buttress crutch maintainer prop sinew staff standby stay strength supporter sustainer upholder

WEAK

good right arm right-hand person

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, both countries also have considered Greenland a linchpin of NATO’s security.

From The Wall Street Journal

Japan is the natural linchpin in a new era of Indo-Pacific-Middle East relations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Strong export controls are the linchpin to keeping the lead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dustin dings him for that in Episode 5, and it was so satisfying to have Steve come up with the final plan, or the linchpin for the final plan.

From Los Angeles Times

“Modern infrastructure is the linchpin of American competitiveness in AI. We share Google’s conviction that energy innovation and community investment are the pillars of what must come next,” Intersect’s Kimber said in the press release.

From MarketWatch

linchpin

Example Sentences

Related Words