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
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Carlos Gershenson, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
What a moment ago was festive theme park fare becomes something more reflective, all while slightly nodding to the holiday’s more spiritual underpinnings.
—Todd Martens, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
The investigation underpinning both indictments was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Salinas Police Department and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
For some datasets – the core underpinning of many AI systems – AI will not perform better than chance.
—Carlos Gershenson, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
What a moment ago was festive theme park fare becomes something more reflective, all while slightly nodding to the holiday’s more spiritual underpinnings.
—Todd Martens, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Verb
The problem underpinning every problem at WhatsApp is the sheer capaciousness of the system.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
The investigation underpinning both indictments was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Salinas Police Department and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Once completed, the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant will rank among China’s largest nuclear power bases.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Bondi and Blanche filed a response arguing that Massie and Khanna do not have a legal basis for the request.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And with the support of my community.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Another major addition is support for Connected Apps.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And for Hoka, sustaining double-digit percent growth over the medium term will depend on expansion into lifestyle.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
However, filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, publicists, critics, sponsors, and former Sundance staff — many of whom credit the festival with launching or sustaining their careers — spoke on background or off the record.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the hotel itself, Faena Art—the brand’s nonprofit foundation—anchors this cultural ethos.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Here are the first things designers would touch first in kitchen remodels to give you an excellent foundation to start with.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This becomes a form of intermittent reinforcement where unpredictable emotional rewards strengthen attachment even when nothing fundamentally changes.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Starting pitching should be a major strength for the Red Sox, as a staff of Garrett Crochet, Suarez, Gray, Brayan Bello and perhaps Johan Oviedo — another offseason addition — is the best on paper in the AL East, at least until the Yankees’ reinforcements return.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The chair of the Federal Reserve is tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Irving was caught when the State Police got a tip on May 29, 2025, from the smartphone messaging company Kik, which reported that three files shared on its platform appeared to be child pornography, according to a law enforcement affidavit supporting the charge.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In general, Poliakoff said, nurses do not believe that the number of resources brought to bear day in and day out is enough to meet the bedrock mandate of providing quality care for patients.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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The studio, run by Dan Hannon, is located in the heart of Muscle Shoals, the fertile musical bedrock for artists including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and the Allman Brothers.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The stars are going to be carrying the Olympic torches.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The small plane was carrying two crew members and 13 passengers, including Diógenes Quintero, 36, a member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, the airline said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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