underpins

present tense third-person singular of underpin
as in sustains
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the central beliefs that underpin a free society

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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 underpins The three-nation agreement underpins $2 trillion in annual trade and has, over the years, knitted several economic sectors across the borders together. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 The first Audi Quattro was wildly different to anything that had come before, using the quattro system that still underpins current Audis, including the Nuvolari, and its design clearly communicated that. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 8 June 2026 Together, these individuals reflect the diversity that underpins this country—and remains one of its greatest calling cards. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026 The researchers used the information to train an artificial neural network — the same system that underpins large language models such as ChatGPT. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 Asian chip stocks have soared in recent months amid a global shortage for the technology that underpins the AI boom. semafor.com, 29 May 2026 Creating a viable marketplace that operates online, at their Charleston brick-and-mortar store and through trunk shows held in boutiques across the nation underpins Ibu’s strategy for helping women artisans translate their skills into a reliable income. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 Rate expectations and equity market volatility feed directly into the confidence that underpins IPO windows, and companies that build durable businesses and plan for flexibility in their timing rather than forcing their way to market under duress will be well positioned when conditions align. Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 That principle still underpins the modern economy. Jim Williamson, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpins
Verb
  • That sentiment sustains the structural shift toward broader individual participation that has defined the past several years.
    Harry Temkin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Feeding the orbs To test how LiPfe sustains itself, Jobson’s team exposed its explants to isotopically labeled amino acids and ammonium.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Paige Sterling, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the mayor has worked hard to build affordable housing in the city and supports the construction of more, including in Venice.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • With the We’Raw technology, Isko provides a product that preserves the authentic raw aspects of denim—including color and shrinkage—and supports brands’ cut-and-sew approach.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • At least a couple million of those feet are directly attributable to Clover, who always carries some twine with her so visitors can add to the ball.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • The new money is chasing a job that did not exist three years ago, and only part of what carries the AI label is the genuinely new part.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The appearance from Vance only bolsters that case.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
  • The downturn bolsters the longstanding theory that the Bitcoin market follows the dictates of US election cycles.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Thrash, whose latest project is a benefit gala at the Palace of Versailles planned for June 8, upholds a long tradition of American philanthropy in support of French cultural institutions.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
  • Islam, like Christianity, upholds the dignity of every human being and encourages dialogue and reconciliation over conflict.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

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“Underpins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpins. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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