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.

TSA workers are a linchpin of U.S. airport security, scanning travelers and their bags before they can head to their gates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Kharg Island, shipping 90% of Iran’s oil exports, is an economic linchpin.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Analysts say the duration of the conflict is key for markets and the U.S. economy, with the price of oil being a linchpin.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

The “Crossfire” confrontation is a linchpin in this story, but as Zengerle reminds readers, it’s not as cut-and-dry as a comic book villain origin story would be.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

He clutched at it frantically, grabbing it back when it started to fall as if it were the linchpin that held what was left of him together.

From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi

linchpin

Example Sentences

Related Words