underpin
verb
un·der·pin
ˌən-dər-ˈpin 
underpinned; underpinning; underpins
1
: support, substantiate
underpin a thesis with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
underpin a sagging building
Synonyms
Examples of underpin in a Sentence
a wall underpinned by metal beams
the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Recent Examples on the Web
And underpinning it all, Will and Gene are agile, lively, and attentive at every turn.
—
Bill Kopp, SPIN, 6 June 2024
The billionaire family behind Chanel will have pocketed $12.4 billion in payouts from the luxury brand’s earnings over the past three years, contributing to a massive increase in their personal wealth and underpinning efforts to diversify away from high fashion.
—Eli Joseph, Fortune Europe, 6 June 2024
The industry funded Chamber of Progress on Tuesday unveiled a new report showing just how much the tech sector underpins California’s economy.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 28 May 2024
That stigma masked all the potential positive benefits of the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrency.
—Chris Perkins, Fortune, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Bill Kopp, SPIN, 6 June 2024
The billionaire family behind Chanel will have pocketed $12.4 billion in payouts from the luxury brand’s earnings over the past three years, contributing to a massive increase in their personal wealth and underpinning efforts to diversify away from high fashion.
—Eli Joseph, Fortune Europe, 6 June 2024
The industry funded Chamber of Progress on Tuesday unveiled a new report showing just how much the tech sector underpins California’s economy.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 28 May 2024
That stigma masked all the potential positive benefits of the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrency.
—Chris Perkins, Fortune, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpin
verb
un·der·pin
-ˈpin
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
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