lynchpin
noun
lynch·pin
less common spelling of linchpin
1
: a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft)
2
: 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 success, advocates say, has been the outsized contribution by pharmaceutical firms of free medicines to ministries of health in countries where these NTDs are a heavy burden.
—
Patrick Adams, NPR, 5 June 2025
Had a similar injury struck in any of the previous three seasons, losing their defensive lynchpin would have felt like a disaster.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
After many twists and turns, the fate of Diamond Comic Distributors, once the lynchpin of the entire retail ecosystem for periodical comics in North America and elsewhere in the world, has apparently been resolved.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Parsons is the lynchpin and bringing back Fowler on a one-year deal was a quality move.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lynchpin
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Patrick Adams, NPR, 5 June 2025
Had a similar injury struck in any of the previous three seasons, losing their defensive lynchpin would have felt like a disaster.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
After many twists and turns, the fate of Diamond Comic Distributors, once the lynchpin of the entire retail ecosystem for periodical comics in North America and elsewhere in the world, has apparently been resolved.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Parsons is the lynchpin and bringing back Fowler on a one-year deal was a quality move.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lynchpin
Cite this Entry
“Lynchpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lynchpin. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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