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 episode made lots of people on Merseyside conclude FSG cared only about its asset, rather than the club’s place in the community that underpins their identity.
—
Simon Hughes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
So complex was this undertaking that the project took seven years, launching in 1969 and missing its original plan to launch for the company’s centennial celebration in 1965 — coincidentally the year USM patented the ingenious ball joint that underpins its USM Haller modular furniture system.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
This has for decades been underpinned by voluntary pricing agreements — voluntary in the sense that non-voluntary terms would have been worse — between the industry and the NHS.
—Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The mezcal is extremely fragrant, featuring powerful aromas of dark, roasted cacao, spice notes of clove and cinnamon, underpinned by the smoky richness of roasted chilies along with delicate notes of fruit and subtle woody/herbal tones.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Simon Hughes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
So complex was this undertaking that the project took seven years, launching in 1969 and missing its original plan to launch for the company’s centennial celebration in 1965 — coincidentally the year USM patented the ingenious ball joint that underpins its USM Haller modular furniture system.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
This has for decades been underpinned by voluntary pricing agreements — voluntary in the sense that non-voluntary terms would have been worse — between the industry and the NHS.
—Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The mezcal is extremely fragrant, featuring powerful aromas of dark, roasted cacao, spice notes of clove and cinnamon, underpinned by the smoky richness of roasted chilies along with delicate notes of fruit and subtle woody/herbal tones.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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