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.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
If anything, crisis conditions historically drive a flight to dollars, not away from them, because the deep liquidity and institutional trust underpinning the dollar have no match.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
And an underpinning of loneliness and suppressed yearning.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
Instead, allegiance and belief in the abilities of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is underpinning sentiment.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026
If anything, crisis conditions historically drive a flight to dollars, not away from them, because the deep liquidity and institutional trust underpinning the dollar have no match.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Alex Vesia walked pinch-hitter Davis Schneider to load the bases, then retired the next three batters.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Centennial loaded the bases with 2 singles and an error before the Owls got the next 2 batters to strike out.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The measure will establish a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission to provide advice, support dialogue and promote education related to different religious backgrounds and institutions.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Slip in, lace up or slide them on and enjoy the comfy support of Allbirds.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The study concluded with some recommendations, such as sustaining and expanding programs that work, engaging with with people who have experienced homelessness, identifying funding and supporting neighborhood safety and cleanliness.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Earlier this month, Varsity founder Jeff Webb died after sustaining a head injury while playing pickleball.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Oligarchs scooped up major publications and donated them to a consolidated media foundation, co-opting the free press and turning it into the Prime Minister’s bullhorn.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The foundation of the home was uncovered in 2000 as the city prepared to relocate the Liberty Bell.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Because grandeur depends on constant reinforcement, every contradiction becomes a threat.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Experts say these moves result in a loss of effortless marketing and brand reinforcement from the landmark buildings.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
All of the proceeds raised from the event went to supporting Altman's family.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
By his third hosting gig in 2014, he was joined onstage during his monologue by Leonardo DiCaprio, his co-star in the searing satire The Wolf of Wall Street, a Martin Scorsese picture that netted Hill his second Oscar nomination for best supporting actor after Moneyball just three years earlier.—
Josh Spiegel,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For traditionalists, this link is not merely ceremonial but is the foundational bedrock of British identity.—
Michael Saunders,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Cenotes are freshwater sinkhole caves formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This current mission marks the first time the capsule is carrying a crew whose lives are on the line.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Come Friday, April 10, the Orion vehicle carrying the astronauts will zoom back into Earth's atmosphere before deploying parachutes to make a water landing in the Pacific Ocean near California.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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