1
as in basis
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of underpinning
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
Their recovery toolkits combine medication that goes to work on the biochemical underpinnings of addiction with community, connection and accountability that reinforce their recovery.
—Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Leslie Picker, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
That's largely due to its multi-tone foil wrap and Terranger branding but also owes to the grippy BFGoodrich all-terrain tires clung to 17-in black off-road wheels, slim rock sliders underpinning the colorful flanks and Lazer auxiliary lights embedded in the grille.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
That picture began to change in the early 2000s, as researchers uncovered the biological underpinnings of different breast cancer subtypes.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
Their recovery toolkits combine medication that goes to work on the biochemical underpinnings of addiction with community, connection and accountability that reinforce their recovery.
—Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
New research found that the technology underpinning a slew of artificial intelligence models is now advanced enough to pass even the most difficult – Level III – mock exams in a matter of minutes.
—Leslie Picker, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
That's largely due to its multi-tone foil wrap and Terranger branding but also owes to the grippy BFGoodrich all-terrain tires clung to 17-in black off-road wheels, slim rock sliders underpinning the colorful flanks and Lazer auxiliary lights embedded in the grille.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case by case basis.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The team earned more runs on the bases than any other, according to FanGraphs.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Attendance is free with proceeds benefiting the Artisan Alliance at Wishing Spring scholarship, which offers continuing support to high school students who pursue the arts in college.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Hoka Rincon 4 One of the most affordable options on our list, the Hoka Rincon 4 has earned high praise from shoppers for its considerable comfort, support, and cushion.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Richardson’s injury wasn’t the only unusual pregame incident the Colts experienced, with cornerback Charvarius Ward sustaining a concussion after colliding with a teammate during warmups.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Armstrong was placed on IR earlier this week, after sustaining a hamstring injury in the loss to Carolina.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Su noted that his background in mathematics, statistics, and engineering has given him the foundation to tackle the complex challenges of AI, from data analytics to pattern recognition and modeling.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
For her, working at her family’s foundation, and later founding 21/64, provided a means to accept her bequest without shame.—
Christina Binkley,
Robb Report,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Beane, however, had better hope his incoming defensive reinforcements make a significant push to keep 2025 on the Super Bowl track.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
But even with such reinforcements, the conventional Russian naval forces are vastly outgunned — and NATO air forces could likely destroy the Kaliningrad base in the initial hours of a live conflict.—
James Stavridis,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The culinary program, for example, spotlights seasonal ingredients, supporting Arizona farmers and purveyors.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Those bedrock principles are in peril.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The right to citizenship at birth has long been a bedrock principle in the United States, widely accepted to have been granted by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution in 1868.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Pulisic came into the camp carrying an injury, and the conditions in Denver weren’t Arctic.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
So, when viewing the Raiders’ expectations for running back Ashton Jeanty this season, Bowers is the right man to ask about carrying that load while getting acclimated to the NFL at the same time.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share