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
Automotive validation underpins design XING Mobility’s move into data center infrastructure builds on nearly a decade of automotive development.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
Here, Bader talks to Vogue about the extensive research process that underpinned his designs, the story behind that jaw-dropping ship sequence, and why the Shaker aesthetic still resonates today.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025
Central banks and geopolitics Gold’s rise has been underpinned by central banks buying up more gold themselves, led by China.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
But unbeknownst to county officials, a land deal underpinning the effort skirted federal regulations — a rub in the county’s plans that is set to cost taxpayers $2 million pulled from other homelessness efforts.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
Here, Bader talks to Vogue about the extensive research process that underpinned his designs, the story behind that jaw-dropping ship sequence, and why the Shaker aesthetic still resonates today.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025
Central banks and geopolitics Gold’s rise has been underpinned by central banks buying up more gold themselves, led by China.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
But unbeknownst to county officials, a land deal underpinning the effort skirted federal regulations — a rub in the county’s plans that is set to cost taxpayers $2 million pulled from other homelessness efforts.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 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 30 Dec. 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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