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
Simmone Shah, Time, 30 Apr. 2026
In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Data is an increasingly valuable commodity across Africa, underpinning digital public services, AI development, trade, and better policymaking.
—Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency repealed its endangerment finding, which provides the legal underpinning for greenhouse gas regulations in the country.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
In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Diana’s childhood left scars too, underpinning her determination to avoid divorce while simultaneously making such a fate more likely.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Data is an increasingly valuable commodity across Africa, underpinning digital public services, AI development, trade, and better policymaking.
—Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
The 747-800 was selected as the basis of the VC-25B, the new primary plane to serve as Air Force One in 2015, during the Barack Obama administration, as the old planes were expected to exceed their service lifetime in 2017.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
-
The Guardians loaded the bases with two outs in the inning but Burke induced Brayan Rocchio to pop out.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Noun
-
The aircraft, a long-haul B-52 Stratofortress, crashed after taking off on a test mission in support of a radar modernization program, the military base previously said.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
And Operations Manager David Temple adds that guests find support, security, and stability.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Investigators determined the victim was Edgar Carlos Garcia, then 39, of Mexico, who died after sustaining fatal injuries during an altercation that took place inside the warehouse.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
-
After spending months helping immigrant families weather the economic fallout of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, Smitten Kitten is asking the community for help sustaining itself.—
Ray Campos,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
That challenge became the foundation of the season.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Football and fútbol are built on different foundations, both as sports and as businesses.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The left-hander had originally been viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team with postseason aspirations.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
That’s likely to change in Season 3, now that both factions have added key reinforcements.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
All proceeds to the sell-out show, which was simulcast on ESPN, benefited the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the MSG non-profit supporting children in need.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
20 June 2026
-
Infantry attempting to move along the front, vehicle convoys transporting supplies, command posts coordinating operations, and artillery units supporting assaults are increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian drone operators who can identify and strike targets with unprecedented speed and precision.—
Hunter LaCroix,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
When reunited in New York, that existing chemistry became the cultural bedrock of the entire locker room.—
Melissa Dawn Simkins,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
-
Customer trust is the bedrock of any successful business, preventing churn and ensuring longevity.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
21 June 2026
-
This delightful journey starts by passing through a decorative iron gate supported by stone pillars.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
