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
The cases were underpinned by false accusations, Lawyer suggested.
—
Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024
The struggles threaten to weaken the $1.6 trillion mailing and package industries that underpin the Postal Service and its reach to more than 160 million addresses each day.
—Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024
The struggles threaten to weaken the $1.6 trillion mailing and package industries that underpin the Postal Service and its reach to more than 160 million addresses each day.
—Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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