underpinning 1 of 2

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ How to pronounce underpinning (audio)
Definition of underpinningnext
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

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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

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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
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 Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
Verb
Developer tools such as Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex are now underpinning a new wave of consumer and general-use products. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 While much is made of the Gulf’s domestic AI build-outs, the ambitious global deals show the region is also focused on securing a stake in the infrastructure underpinning the technology. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
  1. basis
  2. support
  3. sustaining
  4. foundation
  5. reinforcement
  6. supporting
  7. bedrock
  8. pillar
Noun
  • Cardinals reliever George Soriano loaded the bases with a leadoff walk to Hernández and consecutive two-out walks to pinch-hitter Max Muncy and Kyle Tucker in the eighth before pinch-hitter Dalton Rushing went down swinging.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Although there’s a practical and personal basis to Wayne’s newfound commitment, there’s also a philosophical one that’s reflected in the movie’s title.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 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
  • More than any position group, the Terps’ weakness right now is just sustaining success – for a full season or even a full 60 minutes in big games.
    — Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Ariana Grande will take the stage in London tonight in comfortable footwear rather than her signature heels after sustaining a minor injury.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • This allows XPeng to run its physical AI foundation model directly on the robot rather than relying on remote computing or teleoperation for complex tasks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The documentary is narrated by actor Gary Sinise, whose own direction in life was profoundly affected by the attacks and ultimately inspired the creation of his foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of foundation
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
  • The Moon trines your ruler Mercury in your sign, supporting careful edits, useful explanations, and conversations that stay on track.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In a declaration supporting their complaint, Becker noted that California is mulling a bill, SB 813, that would establish a process where independent organizations would set baselines for AI safety standards.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 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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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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