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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underpinning
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
So, rather than being removed from the population, some of these mutations became the underpinnings of breed-defining traits.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 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
The brand excels in seductive underpinnings, with remarkable quality and luxurious fabrics.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
So, rather than being removed from the population, some of these mutations became the underpinnings of breed-defining traits.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 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
-
But after searching for the better part of five years, Reddy has hired a new doctor on a half-time basis, and another is coming on board this June.—
Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
About 90,000 other refugees were processed at three other military bases in the United States.—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Their support means everything to me and reflects the strong foundation of my campaign.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Branscomb claimed his decision to appoint Michael Ruff as the party’s executive director caused both senators to threaten to withdraw support for the party.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
For many of us, these quiet, intimate moments formed the foundation of our lifelong relationship with beauty.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In a letter to foundation executives, Najeeb rejected the characterization of her opinion piece as hateful or antisemitic.—
Sophie Carson,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Unlike traditional one-and-done training sessions, these tools provide continuous reinforcement through scalable, on-demand coaching.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
But a receiving group that struggled with drops last season still needs reinforcements.—
Steve Megargee,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Over time, these bedrocks have shifted, cracked, and formed corrosion that created caves.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
18 Apr. 2025
-
And this is just the latest in a series of actions that threatens to undermine a bedrock of the federal student loan relief system.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share