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

Having sought to upend the global maritime order — the underpinning of the global goods trade, energy flows, food supplies, and internet communications — China now seeks the trust of smaller countries to shape the digital one. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026

Verb

Xiaomi introduced the SkyNomad, and all-new Kunlun Platform, underpinning it at a world premiere last week. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 Its power comes from the base material underpinning the menu – masa, lovingly made by owner and chef Emmanuel Galvan. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning

Noun

Following Contreras’ majestic homer, Webb allowed back-to-back singles and hit a batter to load the bases.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
On Friday, his only real trouble was in the fifth inning, when a soft single, a line drive and a bunt hit loaded the bases with one out.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

Wesseh said Liberia’s development needs may have influenced the government’s decision, with officials hoping the agreement would bring support from Washington.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Still, the Sky have not earned a reputation for sustaining a system from year to year — and the status of the remaining roster does not lend itself to a building process for the Sky.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Trey Moore, who had emerged as a front-runner to start at linebacker for the Dolphins, will be out awhile after sustaining an ankle injury during Saturday’s 26-3 preseason loss to the Giants.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Noun

Beneath that sits a high-density support-foam foundation designed to limit sagging and compression over time, along with a textured anti-slip base to reduce movement on the bed frame.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Aid by Trade introduced its Regenerative Cotton Standard in 2023 with the goal of promoting soil health and biodiversity, and the foundation said that program has expanded in India and Tanzania.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of foundation

Noun

Police reinforcements were called late Saturday to the temporary accommodation center for asylum seekers in Sintiki, a few kilometers (miles) from the Bulgarian border, after migrants threw rocks at guards, according to police.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
The past two preseason games should prove that this Dolphins team needs reinforcements.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

The bridge’s 22 piers were seismically retrofitted from the water upward in 2002, but the underwater infrastructure supporting the piers hasn’t been renovated or upgraded since the bridge opened to traffic in 1969.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
Fewer workers are splitting the cost of supporting a larger, longer-living retired population.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporting

Noun

The rest go deeper, forming waves that may move through some combination of loose material or the underlying bedrock.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
In a matter of decades, private credit has become the bedrock of the post-industrial US economy, contributing nearly $900 billion to the country’s GDP and providing six million jobs over the past three years alone.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bedrock

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underpinning

underpinnings

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Style

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinning

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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