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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Underneath the bodywork are some relatively familiar underpinnings; Bentley shares technology with Porsche as both are part of the greater Volkswagen Group empire. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026 Other people will argue that there was a cultural change happening with rock music as the underpinning, and something was going to have this societal-shifting effect. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

And the looming reality underpinning all of it is that, at some point between now and 2030, some (not all) of the current main characters, the faces of the program, could begin to fade. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Interventions can include removing trees and vegetation or constructing barriers to isolate their roots from the house’s foundations and, at the more extreme and expensive end, underpinning the house by pumping concrete beneath the foundations. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning

Noun

While the 28-year-old hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases, his 98 wRC+ ranked 14th among qualified second basemen.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
That concept forms the basis of membrane-free electrolysis, which avoids the membrane traditionally used to separate the two electrode reactions.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

The actors Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani double as Haddad’s great-aunt and -uncle and parents, playing across a spectrum of discomfort and cautious support.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

During construction, architect Pedro Rabassa found an 11th-century Moorish oven in the foundations.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Instead, younger donors are more likely to give through charitable trusts, family foundations, fundraising, and mentorship.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of foundation

Noun

Police reinforcements were sent from the capital, Brussels, and from Antwerp, and more are coming.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Namely, a desperate need for pitching reinforcements and a belief that Holmes’ profile would mesh with their Gold Glove infielders.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

Ahead of the premiere’s conclusion, Variety exclusively reported that Neon’s awards campaign for the film will include Garfield and Rylance competing in the supporting actor category and Borisov campaigning in lead actor.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Service is low-key but practical, with staff supporting both wellness programming and basic logistics like airport pickups.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Noun

The rural economy, largely dependent on farming, is also an important pillar of consumer spending.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
The ground floor features an 18-seat bar with a rum wall backsplash, carved Moai heads and high-tops that spill out to a lush faux-grass courtyard framed in palm trees and tiki-totem pillars.

— Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of pillar

Browse Nearby Words

underpinned

underpinning

underpinnings

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of underpinning

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes