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
This is the kind of insight that underpins the company’s strategy of building out alternative food offerings, including meatless protein products, that avoid these kinds of risks.
—
Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Its products are intended to underpin the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA’s) agenda of boosting intra-Africa trade.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
But these explanations miss a critical piece of the puzzle: a growing unease with the digital infrastructure that now underpins nearly every aspect of how Americans vote.
—Bruce Schneier, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The appeals court will still hold a hearing on the merits of the arguments underpinning the temporary restraining order, at a future unspecified date.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Its products are intended to underpin the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA’s) agenda of boosting intra-Africa trade.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
But these explanations miss a critical piece of the puzzle: a growing unease with the digital infrastructure that now underpins nearly every aspect of how Americans vote.
—Bruce Schneier, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The appeals court will still hold a hearing on the merits of the arguments underpinning the temporary restraining order, at a future unspecified date.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 23 June 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 5 Jul. 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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