lynchpins

Critical holding pieces

Lynchpins is a common misspelling of linchpins.

A linchpin is a pin passed through an axle to keep a wheel in place.

Figuratively, a linchpin is something essential that holds a system together: She was the linchpin of the organization.

The spelling with y likely comes from confusion with the unrelated word lynch.

centrality

keystone

Arch's central locking stone

cornerstoneFoundational building block
cruxMost important point
nexusConnecting central point

pivot · hub · anchor · fulcrum · nucleus · core · center · mainstay · backbone · pillar

essential

indispensable

Utterly required, irreplaceable

crucialOf supreme importance
vitalEssential or sustaining existence
keyLock-opening device

critical · fundamental · pivotal · integral · central · necessary · primary · foundational · core · imperative

mechanical

pin

Pointed metal fastener

axleShaft for wheel rotation
fastenerSecures things together
boltThreaded rod for nuts

coupler · hitch · cotter · clevis · hub · wheel · wagon · cart · retainer · kingpin

Categories

reliablesmainstays, staples, standbys, stalwarts, dependables
mediatorsmediator, mediators, arbitrator, arbitrators, negotiator

Opposites

structural importance

lynchpinsperipherals

External computer equipment

peripheries · nonessentials · trivialities · incidentals · superfluities

replaceability

lynchpinsexpendables

Resources meant to sacrifice

interchangeables · cogs · fungibles · warm bodies · substitutes

structural function

lynchpinsloose ends

Unresolved matters needing attention

debris · deadweight · excess baggage · appendages · hangers-on

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G