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.
Luigi Avantaggiato There are many reasons to cheer on the EBP and the technological advances that will underpin it. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025 Semiconductors and the servers that sit inside data centers have underpinned the development of artificial intelligence models and applications. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025 Confidence in business conditions and job availability has weakened sharply, raising concerns that the spending power underpinning corporate growth could falter. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 The chatbot is underpinned by generative artificial intelligence technology, which can create original text, images and other content in response to prompts from users. Ana Nicolaci Da Costa, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 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 5 Oct. 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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