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

Both camps were pursuing something known as the Yang-Mills problem, which concerns the math that underpins modern physics. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026

Oracle's database plays a crucial role in underpinning businesses across healthcare and finance in logging and securing data. — Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Dependable timing and positioning underpin a broad range of military activities, making ground infrastructure an essential part of the wider system. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society. — ABC News, 22 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