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
The numbers in the graphic below show how their points totals tend to go through the roof after a campaign’s midpoint, and are underpinned by a gradual tightening up at the back.
—
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
Eisman framed the concern as a foundational risk, comparing it to the flawed assumption underpinning the pre-crisis mortgage market circa 2006-2008.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Unrestricted gifts can help nonprofits weather disruptions, test new approaches or technologies or invest in the systems and infrastructure that underpin their work.
—Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025
On cross-examination, Burns conceded the photographs had nothing to do with the charges underpinning Mangione's arrest for forgery based on his use of a fake ID.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
Eisman framed the concern as a foundational risk, comparing it to the flawed assumption underpinning the pre-crisis mortgage market circa 2006-2008.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Unrestricted gifts can help nonprofits weather disruptions, test new approaches or technologies or invest in the systems and infrastructure that underpin their work.
—Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025
On cross-examination, Burns conceded the photographs had nothing to do with the charges underpinning Mangione's arrest for forgery based on his use of a fake ID.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 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 12 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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