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
Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
In November, the agency announced a separate set of proposals that would dismantle several other rules underpinning the law, including changes that would hinder agencies’ ability to protect species from rapid global warming impacts.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
And yet, while the NCAA Tournament retains its traditional trappings and brackets and upsets keep the country entranced, the underpinnings of college basketball are totally different.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
The immediate impact may be muted, but over time a looser OPEC — as well as a UAE that feels empowered to pump more crude — could erode the oil-price floor underpinning the economies of top African producers Nigeria and Angola.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
In November, the agency announced a separate set of proposals that would dismantle several other rules underpinning the law, including changes that would hinder agencies’ ability to protect species from rapid global warming impacts.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Oakland County township supervisor Chris Barnett said Tuesday that restaurants are starting to get permission to re-open, although local officials ask that food service be on carry-out rather than dine-in basis for now.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
-
Home prices have risen on an annual basis for 34 months in a row.—
Alex Veiga,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
When the Moon enters Taurus, support feels steady enough to believe.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The endorsement comes on the heels of a poll by a super PAC formed in support of Goldman’s that found the congressmember is trailing Lander by 5% in the race.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Then Matthew Boyd needed surgery on the meniscus in his left knee this week, sustaining the injury while playing at home with his kids.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Some houses have the building drain exiting the house up high on a foundation wall.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Osvald Søe, 20, Wilson Eisner, 24, and Kieran Sargeant, 22, have all contributed to a developmental foundation that gives Varas’ club energy, athleticism, upside, and, at times, understandable volatility.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Colorado could also get reinforcements on defense.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Additional structural reinforcement and rollover protection were required after removing the roof, although the company claims the weight increase compared with the coupe is minimal.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Expanding access to high-quality early education, supporting the workforce behind it, and giving families clearer information is all part of the solution.—
Tina Dello Russo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
In general, Korean skin care is often formulated with lower-irritation potential and barrier-supporting ingredients, which can be helpful if your skin concerns include dull skin or working toward a more even skin tone—especially for those with sensitive skin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Think of it this way, communication is going to be the bedrock of any relationship.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
-
This is the bedrock of psychological safety.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Others may use hollow pipes, tubes, window ledges or even sliding door tracks (a favorite site for the grass-carrying wasp).—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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Lerner’s critical reputation is also through the roof, each new book carrying the weight of potentially being a moment of great artistic import.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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