Thesaurus results for UNDERPINNING

underpinning 1 of 2

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ

Definition of underpinning

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

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

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underpinning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underpin

as in sustaining

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 underpinning

Noun

The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2026 The bishop, speaking with the Washington Examiner ahead of the address, called belief in the Christian God a fundamental underpinning of American civil society that guarantees minority faiths’ freedoms. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026

Verb

The science underpinning circadian rhythms is well-established, but until recently, measuring them outside a lab was nearly impossible. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026 One consequence of the equations underpinning that theory was the possibility of a singularity, a point at which the equations of general relativity go to infinity. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning

Noun

Chicago White Sox pitching coach Zach Bove visited starter Noah Schultz after the left-hander hit Cleveland Guardians cleanup batter Jo Adell with a pitch to load the bases with one out Friday at Rate Field.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott retired seven straight before singles by Henry Bolte and Tommy White and a walk to Jonah Heim loaded the bases in the fourth.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

Not everyone has enough resources and support to turn to in real life, the 22-year-old said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
The edges of your lawn and garden provide the perfect habitat for these plants, while fences and retaining walls can give support to growing poison ivy vines.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Senior local official Dagnachew Azbite told the BBC that seven people had been found injured, with five of the victims sustaining serious injuries.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Injury news Cristobal also announced Tuesday that tight end Luka Gilbert is out for the season after sustaining an injury at home over the offseason.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Noun

Historical background The complexities of Pennsylvania’s system of municipalities go back to its foundation as a colony in the 17th century.

— Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026
The organization is funded through Howard County government, state and federal grants, private foundations, and contributions from individuals, community groups, the faith community and local businesses.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of foundation

Noun

Left-back could also do with reinforcements, with a thin pool of options available to cover for Luke Shaw, whose fitness record has been patchy during his 12-year career in Manchester.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
The Red Sox had one of their biggest trade deadlines in franchise history last Monday, bringing aboard loads of big league reinforcements led by three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

Campbell is another newcomer with only one previous credit, a supporting role in the 2025 drama Late Fame, starring Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Friends of the Orland Park Public Library is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers who are dedicated to supporting the library through advocacy and raising money.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporting

Noun

That means people are still making $22,200 less than what's needed to purchase what's often defined as a bedrock of the American Dream while remaining financially comfortable.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Such honesty could be the bedrock for a global effort to both reap the rewards of AI and rein in its worst aspects.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of bedrock

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Style

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinning

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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