underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin 

underpinned; underpinning; underpins

transitive verb

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 of underpin

• sustain
• carry
• support
• bolster

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

Private equity’s entry into ownership groups has also helped underpin record prices, and private capital is reshaping the sports business more broadly. — Robert Gray, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Move forward, pushed backward What followed revealed just how much safe, stable housing underpins economic mobility. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

China is looking to tighten biotechnology exports, but will leave the door open for licensing deals with foreign drugmakers that have underpinned its position as a growing pharmaceutical powerhouse, Bloomberg Law reports. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026

The $56 million contract signals another step in the development of the industrial and technical framework underpinning AUKUS. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin

Kids 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