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
Simmone Shah, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
The robust reporting underpinning these characters gives Van Dyk a roadmap.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency repealed its endangerment finding, which provides the legal underpinning for greenhouse gas regulations in the country.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
The debate ultimately comes down to whether African countries can expand internet access without surrendering control over the infrastructure and economic value underpinning their digital economies.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
The robust reporting underpinning these characters gives Van Dyk a roadmap.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
The 22-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, struck out seven and walked five in his 107-pitch effort, which included a 97-mph fastball to whiff Joey Loperfido with the bases loaded to end the third.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Omnisend has historically offered salary increases on a quarterly basis, so this cadence isn’t new.—
Sage Lazzaro,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
In the immediate aftermath of the stabbing, Lang was responsible for organizing a protest in support of Metcalf.—
Shawna Mizelle,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
El Tri will have an edge competing at high altitude and with the support of home fans, but Mexico is winless in World Cup openers.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Despite sustaining significant injuries, police said the couple was able to transport themselves to a local hospital.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
These graveyards form when whale carcasses fall to the sea floor, becoming a sustaining snack for nearby critters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Especially Melanie, who was crying her foundation off before the vote was even announced.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 June 2026
-
Regular caffeine consumption changes the way your brain responds to it, and that’s the foundation of tolerance.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The goal now is to gradually expand the robot’s autonomous capabilities through reinforcement-learning systems trained to handle increasingly difficult terrain.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
-
At this point any contribution this season would be welcomed, though reinforcements may be needed.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Your 10th House of Career gains shine as beauty-loving Venus arrives, supporting confident polish and the power of understated presence.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
-
State initiatives aimed at supporting fusion research and commercialization have encouraged investment and collaboration, helping establish an ecosystem designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The decision sent shock waves across college sports because bans for gambling are a bedrock rule of the NCAA and in many professional sports.—
Stephen Hawkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
But in reality, the Falcon 9 rocket is the bedrock of SpaceX’s success today.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The lifecycle pillar then operationalizes governance through requirements covering model selection, data quality, explainability, performance monitoring, human oversight, cybersecurity, and third-party risk.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
When constructed, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment the sun peeks perfectly through its pillars.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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