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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Sophia Bollag, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
But there’s an irresistible spirit of youthful exuberance underpinning it all.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
The central claim underpinning the investigation comes from a local group that calls itself the Riverside Election Integrity Team.
—Sophia Bollag, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
But there’s an irresistible spirit of youthful exuberance underpinning it all.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Alvarado loaded the bases before Guel’s hit and then added 2 runs on 2 errors by the Wildcats.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Cruises are available on a space-available basis only.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The festival is funded in part by the city of Charlotte, with additional support from the Hispanic Federation.—
Adam Bell
April 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With French support all but evaporated, organizers scramble for alternative sources.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sponsored and provided by LifeBridge Health Maintaining adequate nutrition during cancer treatment is important for sustaining strength, minimizing side effects and supporting the best treatment response possible.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
While the potential for a particularly dangerous fire season exists, it is not guaranteed, because the weather during the spring and summer months plays a large role in triggering blazes and sustaining them.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An opportunity to rebuild your emotional foundation arrives as Saturn teams up with Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
This was the foundation on which my shaky sense of security was built—that my birth had changed everything.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Helicopters, dog squads and reinforcements from New Zealand were dispatched to help track Freeman, who reportedly possessed strong bushcraft and outdoor survival skills.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that helping fearful dogs requires patience and positive reinforcement.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
His wife spent 10 years as a paraprofessional at Liggett Trail Early Childhood Center, supporting children with developmental disabilities.—
Joseph Hernandez
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The goggles, the GPS address and the laptop — all of it was strong evidence supporting the bizarre story Denise and Aaron had been telling all along.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unlike most toddlers with similar ambitions, however, Caldwell continued his excavation for over two years, until bedrock finally halted his efforts.—
Namir Khaliq,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The facility stores waste in copper canisters embedded up to 1,480 feet deep in stable granite bedrock.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Troopers have determined the bus was carrying about 60 seventh and eighth grade students and adult staff members when the engine compartment began to smoke just south of Exit 32.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Heifler was carrying a large bottle of Everclear, a liquor with a high alcohol content level and had other components to make the Molotov cocktails at his home, the complaint said.—
Jake Offenhartz,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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