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
Expectations for a $25,000 vehicle have underpinned Wall Street analysts’ more modest, but still ambitious, forecasts for Tesla sales.
—
Hyunjoo Jin, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Although many of the tracks have ricocheting, 2-step-esque beats underpinning them, few of the songs here could really be considered dance music (and even those would be a very low-key dance music).
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
Transparency and Technology: Twin Pillars of Impact Management For Franks, transparency is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental principle underpinning the GP-LP relationship.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The president has weakened some of the institutions that have underpinned Mexico’s 21st-century transition to democracy, calling them expensive and biased toward the opposition.
—Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
Don’t miss this World Premiere of Virginia Woolf’s iconic introspective novel reimagined for the stage as a musical with a sweeping neo-golden age score underpinned with a contemporary folk pop.
—David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024
How the collectors would make their determinations underpins the thrust of Shulman’s film.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024
Some analysts worry that the rosy outlook underpinning the rally could yet disappoint.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024
Apple is being required to open up its iOS system to allow sideloading of apps in alternative marketplaces, to permit web browsers not based on WebKit which underpins Safari, and to let other payment mechanisms beyond Apple Pay on to the phone.
—David Phelan, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
Hyunjoo Jin, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Although many of the tracks have ricocheting, 2-step-esque beats underpinning them, few of the songs here could really be considered dance music (and even those would be a very low-key dance music).
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
Transparency and Technology: Twin Pillars of Impact Management For Franks, transparency is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental principle underpinning the GP-LP relationship.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The president has weakened some of the institutions that have underpinned Mexico’s 21st-century transition to democracy, calling them expensive and biased toward the opposition.
—Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
Don’t miss this World Premiere of Virginia Woolf’s iconic introspective novel reimagined for the stage as a musical with a sweeping neo-golden age score underpinned with a contemporary folk pop.
—David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024
How the collectors would make their determinations underpins the thrust of Shulman’s film.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024
Some analysts worry that the rosy outlook underpinning the rally could yet disappoint.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024
Apple is being required to open up its iOS system to allow sideloading of apps in alternative marketplaces, to permit web browsers not based on WebKit which underpins Safari, and to let other payment mechanisms beyond Apple Pay on to the phone.
—David Phelan, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
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 16 Apr. 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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