Thesaurus results for UNDERPINNING

underpinning 1 of 2

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ

Definition of underpinning

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

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

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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

However, the political underpinnings of that panic are rarely identified and challenged. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 Having sought to upend the global maritime order — the underpinning of the global goods trade, energy flows, food supplies, and internet communications — China now seeks the trust of smaller countries to shape the digital one. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

Still, the economic particulars underpinning this needless antagonism essentially are beside the point. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The debacle has cast light on the various ways in which leverage is increasingly underpinning the wider AI boom. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning

Noun

The charging instrument, known as an information, omits references to the specific acts that the state alleges are the basis for the disruption offense, the attorney, Tiffany Burks, wrote in the motion that was filed on Wednesday.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
Perrin recently curated a traveling Renoir exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, the institution that also lent on a long-term basis all four of the paintings that were stolen from the Renoir Museum in southern France.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

The same investments that improve energy security can lower consumer costs, reduce emissions, strengthen industrial capacity and support growth.

— Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Modern submarine programmes involve sophisticated engineering, propulsion, sensors, communications, combat systems and long-term industrial support.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Last year at the Venice Film Festival, Italy’s Fondazione Prada officially launched its film fund, aimed at sustaining independent cinema from around the world without any restrictions on theme, genre or language.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, left tackle Rashawn Slater, who missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in training camp, was sidelined for much of August because of a flare-up to that same knee.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Noun

But when the margins are thin, the offensive reinforcements to supplement a young core are nonexistent, and the pressure is on, every mistake is costly.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Real-world robot dataset AGIBOT’s WORLD 2026 Theme 3 dataset initiative provides researchers with real-world robot experience data aimed at advancing reinforcement learning and embodied AI.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

Star Matthew Rhys won best actor, Stephen Root won best supporting actor and Kate O'Flynn won best supporting actress.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
There is a concern that formally accepting their preferred description of ‘public figures’ could potentially be seized upon by Harry as supporting his argument over security.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporting

Noun

That idea became the spiritual bedrock of one of the most consequential publications of the American women’s movement.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
An incident of the massive scale seen in Nepal is rare, but smaller, similar disasters will be more frequent in the future as the melting of glaciers and permafrost creates unstable bedrock in mountains, according to Cook.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of bedrock

Noun

Footwear is a key part of the strategy within several pillars outlined by Joseph Alkire, Kontoor’s president and chief financial officer.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
Sports remains the third pillar of the country strategy, according to Oishi, who cites Prime Video’s existing rights to MLB, NBA and live boxing coverage in Japan.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pillar

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underpinning

underpinnings

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Style

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinning

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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