underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additional increases in the quantity and quality of weapons sent to Ukraine would underpin that message and would have a better chance than anything else of persuading Putin to replace fake negotiations with the real thing. The Editors, National Review, 11 July 2025 At Apple, Pang had been running a roughly 100-person team responsible for the company’s large language models, which underpin Apple Intelligence and other AI features on the company’s devices. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 The platform underpinning the vehicles, however, is new ― built by GM and former engineers that integrates technology of its advanced driver assist system, Super Cruise. Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 8 July 2025 Too often, companies invest in new platforms without first aligning leadership around a shared vision or redefining the processes that underpin supply chain management. Jim Bureau, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpin

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpin was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpin

verb
un·​der·​pin -ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on underpin

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