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
The Bolt’s upgraded batteries, motors and software align the vehicle with GM’s newer EVs like the GMC Hummer, Chevrolet Blazer EV or Cadillac Lyriq underpinned by the automaker’s proprietary Ultium propulsion system.
—
Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Computing costs and energy needs dominate the narrative, yet copper underpins the entire system.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
Eckert’s ultimate victory in securing regulatory approval for Addyi underpins the documentary’s revelations about gender bias at the FDA as a drug that claimed to improve female pleasure was dismissed as trivial or even dangerous.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
That’s the sort of question underpinning Prime Video’s latest comedy reality series.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Computing costs and energy needs dominate the narrative, yet copper underpins the entire system.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
Eckert’s ultimate victory in securing regulatory approval for Addyi underpins the documentary’s revelations about gender bias at the FDA as a drug that claimed to improve female pleasure was dismissed as trivial or even dangerous.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
That’s the sort of question underpinning Prime Video’s latest comedy reality series.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 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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