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
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
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Data is an increasingly valuable commodity across Africa, underpinning digital public services, AI development, trade, and better policymaking.
—
Vivianne Wandera,
semafor.com,
17 June 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Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency repealed its endangerment finding, which provides the legal underpinning for greenhouse gas regulations in the country.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
Diana’s childhood left scars too, underpinning her determination to avoid divorce while simultaneously making such a fate more likely.
—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Data is an increasingly valuable commodity across Africa, underpinning digital public services, AI development, trade, and better policymaking.
—
Vivianne Wandera,
semafor.com,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
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The 747-800 was selected as the basis of the VC-25B, the new primary plane to serve as Air Force One in 2015, during the Barack Obama administration, as the old planes were expected to exceed their service lifetime in 2017.
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The Guardians loaded the bases with two outs in the inning but Burke induced Brayan Rocchio to pop out.
Noun
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Overall, half of Americans (50%) support displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, including 83% of White evangelicals and 72% of Republicans.
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Trailing 3-1 in the third, Ohtani provided his own run support, singling to center to score Alex Freeland from second after the Dodgers infielder had led off with a double.
Verb
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What is difficult is sustaining them under pressure.
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His father operated multiple companies across different sectors, exposing him early to the mechanics of building and sustaining an enterprise.
Noun
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Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela was broken long before two back-to-back earthquakes ripped the country from its foundations last Wednesday.
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The foundation recommended ballot curing programs that speed up the process by utilizing a secure text platform when double checking whether a ballot is legitimate when a voter’s signature doesn’t match state records.
Noun
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The left-hander had originally been viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team with postseason aspirations.
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That’s likely to change in Season 3, now that both factions have added key reinforcements.
Verb
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And in the years since, the Honeywells have quietly given back to the island, supporting the local arts community, food bank and animal shelter and giving scholarships through their foundation.
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Created by artist Rafael Blanco, the colorful mural reflects the organization's mission of supporting immigrant families and farmworkers across the Coastside.
Noun
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When reunited in New York, that existing chemistry became the cultural bedrock of the entire locker room.
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Customer trust is the bedrock of any successful business, preventing churn and ensuring longevity.
Noun
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One of the site’s 36 pillars — the tallest one in the middle — could be a perch for a big, pink, screeching bird.
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Its success or failure could help determine whether battery repurposing becomes a niche practice or a major pillar of the future energy-storage industry.
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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