keystone
7 synonyms for keystone, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The central wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks the other stones in place.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use keystone
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
keystone of the arch
keystone species
keystone policy
Etymology
From "key" (in the sense of a locking piece) and "stone" — the stone that locks an arch together.
Full origin of keystone →Frequently asked questions
What does “keystone” mean?
The word “keystone” means the central wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks the other stones in place. In plain terms, literally the locking stone at the top of an arch, or figuratively the single most essential part of a plan, argument, or system.
How do you pronounce “keystone”?
“Keystone” is pronounced KEE-stohn (/ˈkiː.stəʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “keystone” in a sentence?
Here is “keystone” used in a sentence: “Remove the keystone and the whole arch collapses.”
What part of speech is “keystone”?
“Keystone” is a noun.
Is “keystone” a common word?
“Keystone” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “keystone” have?
“Keystone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the central wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks the other stones in place.
