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
Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Such is the case with a machine all but forgotten through time, though pivotal in forging the early underpinnings of a now-fabled automaker’s legacy.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 June 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
In a new study published Wednesday, June 4, in PLOS Biology, researchers at France's CNRS developed a rodent version of the test to investigate the biological underpinnings of body ownership—an insight that could one day improve prosthetic limb design.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Such is the case with a machine all but forgotten through time, though pivotal in forging the early underpinnings of a now-fabled automaker’s legacy.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 June 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
-
As technology continues to rapidly advance and new tools are released on a consistent basis, determining how to best tackle cybersecurity threats and a lack of regulations for AI use is essential to keeping sensitive information and valuable IP safe for the long term.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Kavanaugh also noted that the Administrative Procedures Act remains an avenue for plaintiffs to bring challenges to presidential policies on a nationwide basis.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Offer tuition support and loan assistance as part of employee benefits to reduce financial barriers to graduate education.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The Three of Pentacles highlights teamwork, support, and building something with others.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 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
-
This insight became the foundation of FabuLingua’s Magical TranslationsⓇ method.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
-
May is the time to invest wisely, delegate responsibly, and set the foundations of your kingdom.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Positive reinforcement builds morale—and reinforces the right habits.—
Masha Sedova,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
A little positive reinforcement goes a long way and to say, ‘Hey, this is being noticed by guys all around the league.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
-
If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Take behavioral health services, a bedrock part of county services with a $1.3 billion budget, more than 1,300 county staffers and hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars flowing in.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
-
His core campaign promises — rent freezes, fast and free buses, universal child care — have been the bedrock of his online platform.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share