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

Satellites, which underpin everything from GPS to weather forecasting, are particularly vulnerable to both radiation and changes in Earth's atmosphere. —Ryan French, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Revenues from these arrangements, along with port services for neighboring Ethiopia, underpin the economy. —ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026

Those questions underpin a timely The New York Times feature on Nailya Allakhverdiyeva, who, until late 2024, remained at the helm of PERMM, a rare outpost for contemporary art beyond Moscow, in the industrial city of Perm. —Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Unlike most ceasefire agreements, there are no publicly available documents underpinning this one. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin

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