Thesaurus
Synonyms of underpinning
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
- the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
Synonyms for underpinning
- base,
- basis,
- bedrock,
- bottom,
- cornerstone,
- footing,
- foundation,
- ground,
- groundwork,
- keystone,
- root,
- warp,
- warp and woof
Words Related to underpinning
- anchorage,
- bed,
- brace,
- bulwark,
- buttress,
- framework,
- infrastructure,
- mount,
- prop,
- shore,
- stay,
- substratum,
- substructure,
- support
- assumption,
- justification,
- premise
- (also premiss),
- presumption,
- presupposition,
- rationale,
- supposition,
- theory,
- thesis,
- warrant
2
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 for underpinning
Words Related to underpinning
underpinning
verb
present participle of underpin
Synonyms of underpinning (Entry 2 of 2)
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
- the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Synonyms for underpinning
Words Related to underpinning
Learn More About underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 18 Jan. 2022.
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Time Traveler for underpinning
The first known use of underpinning was in the 15th century
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