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
Synonyms
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
While the risk of a recession is not zero, corporate earnings have shone a positive light on the health of the biggest firms underpinning the economy — and their customers.
—
Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 15 Aug. 2024
Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism.
—Anna North, Vox, 16 Aug. 2024
The film’s story will be underpinned by the late-’60s cultural revolution that clashed with the social and economic upheavals of the early 1970s.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2024
The bit sizes allowed Castellucci to factor the private key underpinning the entire API.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 15 Aug. 2024
Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism.
—Anna North, Vox, 16 Aug. 2024
The film’s story will be underpinned by the late-’60s cultural revolution that clashed with the social and economic upheavals of the early 1970s.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2024
The bit sizes allowed Castellucci to factor the private key underpinning the entire API.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.
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
Share