Synonyms for

Keystone

Verb / ˈki:ˌstəʊn / Another word for keystone — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together

Synonyms & similar words

anchor backbone headstone lynchpin key mainstay linchpin centerpiece cornerstone linchpin mainstay foundation heart basis support pivot focus backbone hub nucleus key anchor crux summit top capstone apex

Synonyms by register

Formal

cornerstone linchpin crux foundation

Informal

mainstay heart core centerpiece

Literary

capstone apex zenith

Antonyms

minor unimportant peripheral insignificant secondary auxiliary

Common collocations

  • keystone species
  • keystone arch
  • keystone habit
  • keystone pipeline
  • keystone cops
  • keystone state
  • keystone college

Word family

noun keystone
adjective key

Usage note

Often used metaphorically to describe something essential or fundamental to a system or structure. Can also refer to a specific type of stone in an arch or a critical species in an ecosystem.

Example sentences

  1. The keystone of the bridge supports all the weight of the structure.
  2. The keystone in the arch was carefully placed to ensure stability.
  3. The keystone of the building was the foundation on which the rest of the structure was built.
  4. The keystone of the project was the team's ability to work well together.
  5. The keystone of the argument was the evidence presented by the lawyer.

Quotes

  • A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
  • Happiness is the keystone of success.
  • Education is the keystone in the arch of freedom.

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