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
Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism.
—
Allie Volpe, Vox, 12 July 2024
But data on the blockchain that underpins cryptocurrency payments also tells its own story.
—Sean Lyngaas, CNN, 11 July 2024
The lesson of Lilith Fair — that women artists could have their own stage on which to perform and feel safe — underpins the Canadian documentary.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 July 2024
Such a dynamic would obviously undermine the system of elections and peaceful transfers of power that have underpinned our democracy for nearly 250 years.
—Washington Post, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Allie Volpe, Vox, 12 July 2024
But data on the blockchain that underpins cryptocurrency payments also tells its own story.
—Sean Lyngaas, CNN, 11 July 2024
The lesson of Lilith Fair — that women artists could have their own stage on which to perform and feel safe — underpins the Canadian documentary.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 July 2024
Such a dynamic would obviously undermine the system of elections and peaceful transfers of power that have underpinned our democracy for nearly 250 years.
—Washington Post, 8 July 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 26 Jul. 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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