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
That philosophy underpins much of their work.
—
Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
City officials approved an agreement underpinning the massive plan in 2022, around the same time that Victory — then pitched in a different form as Seasons on the Bench — took shape on farmland next door.
—Mark Dee
june 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
The vision underpinning the project reflects Karmitz’s belief that cinemas should serve as antidotes to digital isolation.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 June 2026
The three-nation agreement underpins $2 trillion in annual trade and has, over the years, knitted several economic sectors across the borders together.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
City officials approved an agreement underpinning the massive plan in 2022, around the same time that Victory — then pitched in a different form as Seasons on the Bench — took shape on farmland next door.
—Mark Dee
june 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
The vision underpinning the project reflects Karmitz’s belief that cinemas should serve as antidotes to digital isolation.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 June 2026
The three-nation agreement underpins $2 trillion in annual trade and has, over the years, knitted several economic sectors across the borders together.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 June 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 19 Jun. 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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