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

That so-fake-it’s-real argument has underpinned many provocative artistic movements over the years. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

Tschurtschenthaler and Beetz said this was partly in response to a belief the market is becoming increasingly commercial just as the film festivals that have traditionally underpinned their business model chase artistic movies. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

One example is the factorization of very large numbers, which underpins the security of RSA encryption. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

The grassroots efforts, underpinned by various voting and democracy nonprofits, amount to a striking push by American voters to help uphold the nation’s election system in the face of possible threats from its own government. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 30 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