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
What technology breakthroughs will underpin this forecasted dramatic improvement in the resource efficiency of artificial intelligence?
—
Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
But the game has changed, Triolo said, now that policymakers are more wary about an economy weighed down by lackluster domestic demand, a sluggish job market, and eager for private tech companies to boost investment in computing infrastructure underpinning the country's AI ambitions.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 June 2026
This motto continues to underpin the company’s approach to innovation today.
—Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Perhaps his long, not-so-scenic route to the national team underpins the sense that trusting him to be a major performer has not come easily to coach Julian Nagelsmann.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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.
Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
But the game has changed, Triolo said, now that policymakers are more wary about an economy weighed down by lackluster domestic demand, a sluggish job market, and eager for private tech companies to boost investment in computing infrastructure underpinning the country's AI ambitions.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 June 2026
This motto continues to underpin the company’s approach to innovation today.
—Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Perhaps his long, not-so-scenic route to the national team underpins the sense that trusting him to be a major performer has not come easily to coach Julian Nagelsmann.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
