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.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Certain other kinds—like ovarian, endometrial, and even pancreatic, stomach, and melanoma—can share genetic underpinnings with breast cancer, so having these in your bloodline could up your risk.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
This simple premise nonetheless hints at a deeper mythology underpinning our everyday life (think John Wick’s assassin subculture, but with fangs).
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
There’s always been an underpinning of organic modernism and neo primitivism in their work that is a great pairing with the Loewe DNA.
—Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Certain other kinds—like ovarian, endometrial, and even pancreatic, stomach, and melanoma—can share genetic underpinnings with breast cancer, so having these in your bloodline could up your risk.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
One thing that exacerbated the issues in Brooks’ case was that the model underpinning ChatGPT was running on overdrive to agree with him, Helen Toner, a director at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology and former OpenAI board member told The New York Times.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
This simple premise nonetheless hints at a deeper mythology underpinning our everyday life (think John Wick’s assassin subculture, but with fangs).
—Neil McRobert, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
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And unlike pricier Dyson or Shark models, this lightweight powerhouse covers all the same bases for $150—now 25% off ahead of Black Friday.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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The Los Angeles Dodgers announced two-way star Shohei Ohtani's 12 total bases in Monday's Game 3 are a franchise World Series record.—
Valentina Martinez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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From fuzzy open-toe slip-ons to orthopedic slides with extra arch support, there’s an affordable gift in here for everyone.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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Some celebrants were building political support for the controversial Barge Canal.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Regardless, a dominant defense can only mask so much; unless the offense starts sustaining drives, protecting the ball, and getting its best playmakers involved early, Cleveland’s window to salvage the year narrows quickly.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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Melifonwu returned after sustaining a hand injury and should be fine for Thursday.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As part of its tax-exempt status, the foundation is prohibited from endorsing political candidates and, generally, must be nonpartisan in its activities.—
Bill Barrow,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Michelle encourages people to not just wear the color pink or purchase products at the register, but to ensure the foundations and organizations receiving your money actually use it to support breast cancer research.—
Ariel Nagi,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Especially when the offensive line is a disaster from a pass protection standpoint, and reinforcements aren’t coming anytime soon.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
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The trade market seemed like a potential place for reinforcements, but Graham would be a major addition.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While there has been vocal backlash and criticism of De Niro’s remarks, people have also shared posts on social media supporting his comments.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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Aging can also contribute, as the supporting tissues of the anal canal naturally weaken over time.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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If Yesavage returns for a Game 5 start, the rookie will need the bat-missing, bedrock splitter back in his pitch mix.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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That is the physical bedrock for playing offensive line in Payton’s system.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Police reportedly located the woman after reviewing a two-second security camera video clip, in which she was allegedly seen on a city sidewalk carrying something that appeared to be wrapped in a bundle and holding it as a person would typically hold a baby.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Both Barrett and Ingram spent some time carrying all-bench units, but those should be infrequent units so long as the Raptors are largely healthy.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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