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
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
Thompson says the steady march of progress underpinned by Moore's law meant that computer system designers could get away with code that was sometimes inefficient.
—
John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Dec. 2025
Sustainability underpins the experience.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
The discovery underpins the importance of fieldwork in identifying new animal species – particularly ones like this that are built for burrowing and keeping out of the way of another animal type, humans.
—New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2025
The same humble, aspirational spirit that fueled Anthony’s long pursuit of Hall-of-Fame status underpins the exhibit.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Dec. 2025
Sustainability underpins the experience.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
The discovery underpins the importance of fieldwork in identifying new animal species – particularly ones like this that are built for burrowing and keeping out of the way of another animal type, humans.
—New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2025
The same humble, aspirational spirit that fueled Anthony’s long pursuit of Hall-of-Fame status underpins the exhibit.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
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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