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
Central to the thesis underpinning the bull run in memory stocks is the belief that the industry has shaken off its past cyclicality, whereby demand for storage fluctuates significantly while supply remains largely fixed.
—
Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 25 May 2026
In total, the programme is expected to generate broader industrial benefits, supporting 100 additional roles at Rheinmetall’s Telford site and underpinning another 300 jobs across the wider UK supply chain, the British defense ministry said in a press release.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026
The debate ultimately comes down to whether African countries can expand internet access without surrendering control over the infrastructure and economic value underpinning their digital economies.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
This strategy is underpinned by 15 near- and medium-term goals, including spurring regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million hectares of farmland by 2030.
—Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
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Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 25 May 2026
In total, the programme is expected to generate broader industrial benefits, supporting 100 additional roles at Rheinmetall’s Telford site and underpinning another 300 jobs across the wider UK supply chain, the British defense ministry said in a press release.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026
The debate ultimately comes down to whether African countries can expand internet access without surrendering control over the infrastructure and economic value underpinning their digital economies.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
This strategy is underpinned by 15 near- and medium-term goals, including spurring regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million hectares of farmland by 2030.
—Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 22 May 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 30 May. 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
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