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

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

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
Noun
The bishop, speaking with the Washington Examiner ahead of the address, called belief in the Christian God a fundamental underpinning of American civil society that guarantees minority faiths’ freedoms. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026 Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency repealed its endangerment finding, which provides the legal underpinning for greenhouse gas regulations in the country. — Simmone Shah, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Co-stars include Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard in the story of two fraudulent paranormal investigators who are forced to face real ghosts and the lies underpinning their business. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 19 June 2026 The film showed audiences around the world that computer animation could be just as emotionally impactful as traditional animation, the very ethos underpinning Pixar’s existence. — Barry Levitt, Time, 19 June 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
  • Certification framework finalized For aircraft that introduce new technologies, the G-1 Issue Paper establishes the certification basis before engineers begin proving compliance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Until now, vertical landings of orbital-class rockets had been performed only by SpaceX, which does them on a regular basis.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • Kylian Mbappé’s powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through.
    — James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • Sunday, some sustaining injuries while riding motorcycles or bicycles under strong winds or due to slippery road surfaces.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 July 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • That stable foundation has been built on a strong structure out of possession, but more so in possession.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Rather than opening in central London, the foundation chose to follow the artists, settling in a neighborhood that has become home to an increasingly vibrant creative community.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • Atlas performed a series of soccer moves developed using a combination of motion retargeting, reinforcement learning and whole-body control.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • The move is contentious, with environmentalists supporting the removal, while tribes and horse lovers are heartbroken.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Faulty columns supporting too much weight were to blame for the building’s structural damage, said Berman.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • America’s 13 original colonies were teeming with adventurous foreigners who formed the bedrock of our dynamic economy and democracy.
    — Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026
  • Goodness knows when younger people will be able to buy a home, once considered the bedrock of achieving the American dream.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026
Definition of bedrock
Noun
  • About 42% of Colombia’s territory is covered by Amazon rainforest, and the Petro administration made rainforest protection and a transition away from fossil fuels central pillars of its environmental agenda.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Early last year, El-Sayed travelled to Washington for introductory meetings with various pillars of the Democratic establishment.
    — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on underpinning

Nglish: Translation of underpinning for Spanish Speakers

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