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
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
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
Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
And an underpinning of loneliness and suppressed yearning.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
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
Verb
The attorney general is obsessed with the idea that laws underpinning equal treatment for groups that have been historically discriminated against amount to discrimination against white men, and are therefore unconstitutional.
—Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Following Dansby Swanson’s second of a season-high three walks, Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering got two strikes on Ballesteros with the bases loaded in the scoreless fifth.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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Hartigan succeeds Jane Carpenter-Rock, who has led SAAM on an interim basis since September 2024, when Stephanie Stebich was removed as director and reassigned to an advisory role at the Smithsonian Institution.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On the streets, large crowds representing the country’s hard-line factions have rallied daily in support of the regime and against any agreement with Washington that would place Iran in a position of defeat.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
-
And there is talk about subsequent budget reconciliation bills before the end of this Congress, which could provide additional opportunities for Republicans to pursue tax and spending priorities that otherwise are unlikely to garner Democratic support.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over Your Dead Body knows that sustaining a harmonious union amid petty jealousies, paranoia, and personal flaws is hard; navigating a hostage situation involving desperate sickos and sociopaths is even harder; and maintaining a balance of laughs and gag-reflex tweaking is the hardest of it all.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The remark conveyed a familiar image of American military power, a projection of being technologically unmatched, logistically dominant and capable of sustaining operations indefinitely.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
By evening, disruptive Uranus enters your 4th House of Home and Family, shaking up routines, space, and emotional foundations.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The foundation focuses on conservation, rehabilitation, breeding and education — basically everything that goes into protecting birds of prey.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The steel is a reinforcement of the ring’s architectural structure and draws from Rome’s ancient columns, while the gold exudes both warmth and definition.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
But no reinforcements were to arrive.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Snitker was emotional, thanking Ronnie for supporting him in this career for all these decades.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Investors bought tech stocks viewed as supporting the AI infrastructure buildout and dumping those seen as threatened by its adoption.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The unusual arrangement is 100+ years strong and a bedrock of the Chincoteague community.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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Gan said any negotiations would implicitly undermine the bedrock principle of international law that ships must be allowed to navigate international waters unimpeded.—
Chris Wellisz,
semafor.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Notably, these shakedown attempts come more than 15 years after Michael’s death, thus carrying no risk of being sued for defamation.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Asia-to-Europe or intra-Asia trade lanes often go through the strait, and vessels carrying cargo from other apparel manufacturing countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Myanmar are likely using the passage.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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