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

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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

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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

For twenty years, McCarthy has been swimming against the current, writing novels that reflect, with unusual intensity, his disdain for the conventional underpinnings of literary fiction. — Max Callimanopulos, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 The conversation and the word itself, which gives the seventh and final episode its title, unlocks the Biblical underpinnings and the complexities governing many of the main characters. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026

Verb

Oracle's database plays a crucial role in underpinning businesses across healthcare and finance in logging and securing data. — Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning

Noun

International flights were being handled on a case-by-case basis, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
Dormitory rooms with bunk beds for four or eight passengers are also available, the larger of which is sold on a mixed-gender basis.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

So the players, coaches and support personnel deplaned and the team’s bus driver — who had already started the return trip to Lawrence — turned around and came back to Topeka.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2026
The letter argues that Democrats' midterm victories reflected support for policies including Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy, and says Schumer is not the right person to advance those priorities.

— Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Universities need institutions capable of sustaining serious debate after a visiting speaker leaves campus.

— Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
With their best player out for the game, the Miami offense had a hard time getting big plays or sustaining drives, particularly in the first half.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of sustaining

Noun

Fourier’s experience with humanoid robots provided a foundation for the project.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
As the initiative develops, these criteria could provide a foundation for future discussions about common benchmarks or guidelines, ideally involving stakeholders from across the industry.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of foundation

Noun

With closer Raisel Iglesias a free agent, the Braves were in the market for late-inning reinforcements.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
Alterra turns clinicians’ assessments into scoring criteria and rewards used in reinforcement learning, which encourages models to repeat stronger decisions and avoid behaviors experts have flagged as unsafe.

— Wen Shao, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

There’s also evidence supporting some non-drug treatments for hot flashes, night sweats and sleep or mood problems, ACOG said.

— Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Stanley said drivers and bus monitors play an especially important role in supporting students with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

— Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of supporting

Noun

And though the former now shares space with the vast and hypercapricious cycles of social media, the local newspaper is still the bedrock those who built this town lean upon, longtime operators say.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Meanwhile, investors are also trying to discern what key election results could mean for the outlook for data centers, which are the bedrock of the AI trade that has buoyed US markets.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of bedrock

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underpinned

underpinning

underpinnings

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Style

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinning

noun

verb

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