underpinning 1 of 2

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ How to pronounce underpinning (audio)
Definition of underpinningnext
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

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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

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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
The conversation and the word itself, which gives the seventh and final episode its title, unlocks the Biblical underpinnings and the complexities governing many of the main characters. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026 The phone, the radio, the television, the fax, the cell, texting, video calls, AI—who among us truly grasps its underpinnings? — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
Hammer presents these economic theories as stone-cold truths without acknowledging the rather obvious ideological agenda underpinning his thinking. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Beale, his hands on his hips, turned to face Sigcho-Lopez in the latest manifestation of the bad blood underpinning the council’s deep philosophical divisions. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
  1. basis
  2. support
  3. sustaining
  4. foundation
  5. reinforcement
  6. supporting
  7. bedrock
  8. pillar
Noun
  • For the technology leader responsible for keeping essential services running, these details provide a basis for assessing what protections exist and what happens in an extreme scenario.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Violence in the West Bank has surged in recent years as settlements have expanded, often backed by Israeli forces; attacks on farmers and communities who rely on the olive harvest for their livelihoods now come on a daily basis.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But through the hardships, Andrea Soto said the community’s support has been a positive.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • The Hurricanes took the lead back after Xavier Lucas, who was playing in his first game since sustaining an injury in the season opener, recovered a Riles fumble (forced by Ethan O’Connor).
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Two of the estimated 400 firefighters assigned to the Norte Fire were stabilized at a hospital after sustaining unspecified injuries battling the blaze, McGovern said.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • Its foundation is HiNAS Prime, an autonomous navigation system developed by Avikus, HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation subsidiary.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • They're used in primers, foundations, and hair serums for a slick application.
    — Tracy Middleton, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • The method, called contraction-aware reinforcement learning, is designed for robots with different forms of movement, including wheeled, flying, and six-legged platforms.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Combining a prebiotic with a probiotic creates what’s known as a synbiotic combination, giving the good bacteria in your gut both reinforcements and fuel.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • The argument supporting Measure Z was signed by farmer Blair Voelz, educator Karen Rosenkilde Bayne, former Woodland City Manager Kris Kristensen, business leader Aniek Pflager and agricultural supplier Erik Wilson.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Following the meeting, Papin’s office said the state was committed to supporting businesses and that further measures would be announced shortly.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • Much of its ice rests on bedrock below sea level, while its floating ice shelves help regulate how quickly ice flows toward the sea.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The Chiefs’ offense hit its bedrock that night, with Mahomes firing 10 straight incompletions in a loss that all but ended their playoff hopes.
    — Sam McDowell October 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of bedrock
Noun
  • Innovation will always be an important pillar of the award, said Christiane Dolva, the philanthropic organization’s head of innovation, research and demonstration.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Dedicated to the god Amun, it is known for its beautiful pillars and intricate carvings.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillar

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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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