as in base
a place from which an advance (as for military operations) is made don't let the opposing team push us back down the field and gain a foothold

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of foothold The report alleged that China is going after Greenland's natural resources and aiming to use it as a strategic foothold for advancing China's interests in the Arctic. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2025 Ancient footholds remain carved into the walls of the shaft, but the group opted to use a portable wire ladder to descend the 25 feet. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025 Since being Harris’ running mate, Walz has been touring the country talking to voters about how Democrats can regain a foothold. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 China has already made efforts to gain a foothold on the island, prompting fears in Washington about Beijing's expanding influence over critical resources. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foothold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foothold
Noun
  • Analysts say that Walmart can use its enormous scale and wide supplier base to keep prices down for customers, even as tariffs raise its costs.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Lefkowitz’s base case implies the broad index will end the year marginally in the red, as his current target of 5,800 suggests the benchmark will slide 1.4% in 2025.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Scott, a fourth-round pick in 2023, caught only one pass last season and will be challenged to hang onto his spot in training camp.
    Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The debate has been revisited in recent years with the advent of new trendy hobbies like streaming and e-sports that allow players to engage with their fans outside of training camp autograph signings or meet-and-greet events.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Back in the fortress, the Man of Steel scolds Krypto for wrecking the joint while he was gone.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The tower’s slender triangles look diaphanous from a distance, but from the sidewalk the building resembles a fortress, with a 186-foot concrete-and-steel base safeguarding the 94 stories above from bombings.
    David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foothold. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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