Synonyms for foundation

noun

1. An intellectual basis

   reason, justification, grounds; see basis 1.

2. A physical basis

   base, footing, foot, basement, pier, groundwork, bed, ground, resting place, bottom, substructure, wall, understructure, underpinning, solid rock, rest, roadbed, support, substratum, prop, stand, bolster, stay, skid, shore, pediment, post, pillar, infrastructure, skeleton, column, shaft, pedestal, buttress, abutment, framework, scaffold, beam, chassis, skewback, pile.

3. That which has been founded

   institution, organization, endowment, institute, society, establishment, company, guild, trusteeship, corporation, association, charity, fund.

4. The act of founding

   establishment, origination, institution; see establishing 1. See syn. study at base.