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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • Dieffenbach made the big play after sustaining an apparent leg injury on a hard hit late in the first half.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Rutgers starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan left after sustaining a blow to the head 6 minutes, 25 seconds into the first quarter and didn’t return.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • The two nearly complete skeletons that serve as the foundation for the new research date to the Late Triassic period nearly 237 million years ago.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Felucca is the foundation for many other community firmware projects, transforming the FM-1 into a true multi-engine synth.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 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
  • With roaring support from a packed crowd, Macklemore launched his Free Palestine Tour in Ireland’s capital Monday, just over a month after he was controversially dropped as Ed Sheeran’s supporting act.
    — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia have filed an amicus brief supporting New Jersey’s case against Kalshi.
    — Josh Appel, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • His position put him on the wrong side of a bedrock progressive policy in one of the most liberal places in America.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Barnes is cold-based, and thus frozen directly onto the bedrock beneath it, which prevents it from sliding.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 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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underpinning
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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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