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

As Nvidia partners with Wall Street firms to mobilize more than $500 billion of third-party capital for AI infrastructure, the increasingly complex financing underpinning the boom is coming under closer scrutiny. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Communities without robust connectivity face steeper barriers to jobs, skills training, and the economic stability that underpins long-term health. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

There’s pathos, and shrewd irony, underpinning his performance. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

The technology now underpins generations of high-performance processors. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 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