as in sustained
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
the central beliefs that underpin a free society
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Recent Examples of underpinned
Inara Camp, Agafay Desert, Morocco For the nomadic people of North Africa, precious tea leaves were both a commodity and part of a simple ceremony that underpinned friendly chats and business deals.
—
Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
In Georgia as in Minnesota, where administration statements about the fatal shootings have been contradicted by video evidence, its actions are underpinned by false narratives.
—Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The service Staff are open-minded and friendly—qualities underpinned by a quiet mastery of Japan’s famed omotenashi hospitality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
His remarks reflected his posture toward the US’ traditional Western allies that underpinned last year’s tariff salvo and his push to hike NATO members’ military spending.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand, which reached the semifinals in the 2025 LVMH Prize, is underpinned by a singular vision.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
The escalating argument over the Arctic island has threatened to reignite a trade war with Europe and upend the NATO alliance that has underpinned Western security for decades.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
That combination made possible the concentration of computing power which underpinned California’s leadership in AI.
—Claudia Nunes, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
But the scene Lean Cat, Savage Cat takes you to is underpinned by a research project centered around iconic Berlin trans nightlife figure (and former lover of David Bowie) Romy Haag.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
In Georgia as in Minnesota, where administration statements about the fatal shootings have been contradicted by video evidence, its actions are underpinned by false narratives.
—Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The service Staff are open-minded and friendly—qualities underpinned by a quiet mastery of Japan’s famed omotenashi hospitality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
His remarks reflected his posture toward the US’ traditional Western allies that underpinned last year’s tariff salvo and his push to hike NATO members’ military spending.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The brand, which reached the semifinals in the 2025 LVMH Prize, is underpinned by a singular vision.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
The escalating argument over the Arctic island has threatened to reignite a trade war with Europe and upend the NATO alliance that has underpinned Western security for decades.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
That combination made possible the concentration of computing power which underpinned California’s leadership in AI.
—Claudia Nunes, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
But the scene Lean Cat, Savage Cat takes you to is underpinned by a research project centered around iconic Berlin trans nightlife figure (and former lover of David Bowie) Romy Haag.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinned
Verb
-
The home sustained damage to the second floor.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Middle school is the inflection point where sustained attention either begins to be scaffolded, or quietly erodes under constant digital interruption.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Braves further bolstered their bullpen Sunday, re-signing veteran reliever Tyler Kinley to a one-year deal.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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This soothing cream, bolstered by helps repair irritated or compromised skin while reducing redness.—
Colleen Sullivan,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One fan entered Melbourne Park with a grounds pass, bought dozens of burgers and carried them out for his friends to eat.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Some are on the small side so they can be easily carried once filled.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The lower level would serve as an assembly and event space for weddings, baptisms, birthdays and cultural events, supported by a full kitchen and bar service during social events.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Post, digital and visual effects are supported by Screen NSW and Screen Queensland.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The decision also upheld a lower-court ruling on TPS protections for Haitians.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
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The ordinance clarifies existing rules and ensures they are upheld by county contractors, grantees and leaseholders.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinned. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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