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
Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Knowing this, researchers at Princeton University recently investigated the neurological underpinnings of rodent fatherhood.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
From its debut at the London Vet Show to its expansion in the United States, VetEvince has captured attention for the philosophy underpinning its creation.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
The Obama-era finding is the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet.
—Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Knowing this, researchers at Princeton University recently investigated the neurological underpinnings of rodent fatherhood.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
From its debut at the London Vet Show to its expansion in the United States, VetEvince has captured attention for the philosophy underpinning its creation.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC confirm damage to other Iranian naval bases.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Despite the attacks, Iranian leaders have vowed to continue fighting and have launched drones and missiles at Israel as well as US bases and energy infrastructure in nearby countries.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Alcantara received plenty of support from his lineup in the form of four home runs and six strong innings from the bullpen tossed in a 7-5 win at Miami’s loanDepot park as the Dominican Republic went a perfect 4-0 in pool play.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
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Ecuador set to attack crime groups QUITO, Ecuador -- Ecuador will launch a major offensive against criminal organizations in three western provinces this weekend with logistical support from the United States, the interior minister said Wednesday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
James did not play after sustaining a left elbow injury against the Nuggets.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In the labor movements of the thirties, the civil rights movement of the sixties, and the Grenadian revolution of 1979, the poem has always been a collaborator in the work of creating and sustaining movements.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now, a new study suggests researchers globally may have built these plans on a shaky foundation.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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But the 62-54 loss to Virginia Tech at Gas South Arena in Duluth was indicative of the fight that’s first-year coach Karen Blair has used as a foundation to rebuild the program.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Epoxy resins, meanwhile, serve as structural adhesives and protective coatings, and act as the primary matrix in carbon fiber components for wind turbine blades, aircraft structures, high-end sporting goods, and civil engineering reinforcements.—
Etiido Uko
March 08,
New Atlas,
8 Mar. 2026
-
And this is not the March to max out the credit card on those positions when reinforcements can be added in the draft.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
No, the actor, now 27 and recognized in the best supporting actress category for her sensitive turn in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, has actually—wait for it—already been working for a quarter of a century.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
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From cushioned walking sneakers to sleek slip-ons and foldable flats, the brand boasts arch-supporting insoles enhanced with anti-odor technology to keep feet feeling fresh and comfortable all day long.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In navigating the minefield that is 20th century and contemporary art, some names represent bedrock-like solidity and maximum liquidity in a world driven by passionate enthusiasts who see investment as the cherry on top.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Latinos are a plurality of California’s population and the bedrock of the Democratic Party.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At the height of the sectarian war, parts of Baghdad were so riddled with impromptu militia checkpoints that many Iraqis started carrying two official-looking IDs — one genuine and the other a forgery with a last name and birthplace associated with the other sect.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Zero tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz Wednesday, a narrow channel just off Iran’s southern coast that’s normally packed with an armada of 60 or more ships carrying 20% of the world’s oil.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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