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underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
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

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
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.
With those metrics underpinning this highly scientific assessment, Upgraded Points has determined the winner to be Logan International Airport in Boston. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025 Satellites underpin modern and critical infrastructure today, such as telecommunications, science and national security . Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025 Beneath the spectacle, Corbould emphasised the countless hours of planning and safety checks that underpin every stunt, because the comfort and safety of actors and stuntmen is paramount. Udita Jhunjhunwala, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025 Those figures underpin how much Atlanta depends on him as a move-the-chains and vertical threat. Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpin

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpin was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpin

verb
un·​der·​pin -ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on underpin

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