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
Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years.
—
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
Because oil prices underpin everything from transportation to manufacturing costs, surging crude prices could reach beyond the gas pump, experts noted.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
The duo knew from their previous studies that certain cells in the mouse embryo were tenser and sturdier than others due to differences in their internal scaffolds, which underpin the cell membrane and keep it taut.
—Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
The market reaction to Zimbabwe’s suspension of lithium exports illustrates the central role African nations play in the global supply chains that underpin modern technology.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
Because oil prices underpin everything from transportation to manufacturing costs, surging crude prices could reach beyond the gas pump, experts noted.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
The duo knew from their previous studies that certain cells in the mouse embryo were tenser and sturdier than others due to differences in their internal scaffolds, which underpin the cell membrane and keep it taut.
—Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
The market reaction to Zimbabwe’s suspension of lithium exports illustrates the central role African nations play in the global supply chains that underpin modern technology.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 27 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 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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