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
Industry insiders explained how the assortment of signals and models underpinning the algorithms are helping the sector navigate precious metals’ wild ride.
—
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
In Central Florida, those impacts would be felt quickly along the I-4 corridor, where trucking underpins port operations, tourism supply chains, and the daily movement of goods between Tampa, Orlando and the Space Coast.
—Bhupinder Kaur, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
In fact, the bracelet is nearly an exact replica, underpinned by more elevated, modern craftsmanship.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Those figures underpin a broader conversation at City Hall about how well oversight mechanisms are functioning following the 2023 passage of the Austin Police Oversight Act, which expanded civilian access to complaint and discipline data.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
In Central Florida, those impacts would be felt quickly along the I-4 corridor, where trucking underpins port operations, tourism supply chains, and the daily movement of goods between Tampa, Orlando and the Space Coast.
—Bhupinder Kaur, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
In fact, the bracelet is nearly an exact replica, underpinned by more elevated, modern craftsmanship.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Those figures underpin a broader conversation at City Hall about how well oversight mechanisms are functioning following the 2023 passage of the Austin Police Oversight Act, which expanded civilian access to complaint and discipline data.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 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 12 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
