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

Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, said its new target was underpinned by expectations of 300% earnings per share growth for 2026, which the bank highlighted is the strongest for any market in Asia with the exception of the 1999 recovery from the region's financial crisis. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 11 May 2026

The country is building tourism and other industries, but Aramco’s revenues underpin much of that. —Vivienne Walt, Time, 7 May 2026

What underpins the tension between Chelsea and their supporters? —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 May 2026

The hotel’s response is The Datai Pledge, which underpins localized conservation, wildlife protection, and community engagement. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 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