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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
In the contemporary version of this conspiracy theory, Soros looms especially large; the Anti-Defamation League has multiple pages on its website about the antisemitic underpinnings of right-wing claims that Soros is working to destabilize society.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
Verb
There is no better book to give you an insider’s feel for what constitutes the sartorial intelligence underpinning Italian men’s fashion.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
These wooden cabins were then placed on trucks and driven to locations near the bases.—
Benjamin Brown,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
-
Ukrainians in Kyiv welcomed the strikes on Russian air bases but were gloomy about prospects for a peace agreement.—
Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Crucially, the Pixel 8 still has five years of software support left.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Keep in mind that bush-type beans and peas generally don't need support, but pole beans require trellises or cages for their vining stems. Lupines: Many growers don't realize that lupines belong to the legume family and can also benefit neighboring plants with their nitrogen fixing roots.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
While many artists can easily build a brand and fandom on social media, and then release music across streaming platforms without a major record label deal, managing and sustaining an entire career takes more know-how.—
Andrea Zarczynski,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
The falling birth rate is a concern in terms of sustaining economic development and the provision of support for large numbers of elderly people in the future.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Such knowledge, fully consistent with patriotism, provides an indispensable foundation for debates about contemporary issues.—
James T. Kloppenberg,
Time,
28 May 2025
-
When trust erodes, so does the foundation for data sharing that powers our innovation economy.—
Nick Hart,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to provide President Donald Trump with some positive reinforcement by crediting Americans for ending a war in Europe during his visit to the White House on June 5.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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These reinforcements can mean the difference between minor damage and catastrophic failure when a major storm hits.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In the volcanic bedrock of the Andes, arsenic is naturally abundant and leaches into the drinking water.—
Kermit Pattison,
Scientific American,
20 May 2025
-
Donaldson’s books have been the bedrock of the BBC’s annual Christmas specials, with this being the 13th to be adapted.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
Verb
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But Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insists the ethos remains, even at times such as these, with his team carrying a seven-game losing streak and 29-38 record into Monday night’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
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The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying the four spacefarers selected for a mission known as Crew-10 successfully docked at the orbital outpost about 28 hours after launching from Florida.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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