lynchpin

noun

lynch·pin

less common spelling of linchpin

: a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)

: one that serves to hold together parts or elements that exist or function as a unit

the linchpin in the defense's case

Examples of lynchpin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lynchpin of this system holds that the economic system is rigged against the average person. —

Clifford Young, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 The share of respondents expecting more employment opportunities in the coming six months fell to the lowest since 2016, and the labor market has been the lynchpin supporting household spending. —

Augusta Saraiva, Fortune, 30 May 2023 Translating Deal Vision Into Effective Communications And Action Plans: Middle managers are the lynchpin in translating a deal’s vision into meaningful communications for frontline workers. —

Jennifer J Fondrevay, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Contrary to the portrayal of Oregon as the lynchpin, Washington was the key block in the Jenga tower. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2024 The center is also the lynchpin of Stanford’s defense, notching 3.3 blocks per game. —

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024 The lynchpin character for Miles, however, turned out to be Hobie Brown, a.k.a. —

Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 June 2023 The Spanish Fort product has appeared in 13 games, logging seven starts last season with four as a sixth lineman, and is the lynchpin for a unit seeking its own respect. —

Evan Dudley, al, 12 July 2023 Who knew all that talk about Juliette stealing the heat tape would be the lynchpin to the whole story? —

Hunter Ingram, Variety, 30 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lynchpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.