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.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Ofcom has announced that this will not change, but the regulator has updated guidance underpinning these rules following an industry consultation.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
But Putin has not shifted from the hard-line demands underpinning his war.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Ofcom has announced that this will not change, but the regulator has updated guidance underpinning these rules following an industry consultation.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
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With the 240v power most EV owners use on a daily basis at home or work, 0%-100% takes about 11 hours.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Developed with technical support from Quantis, the questionnaire is available to all fashion brands on an optional and non-exclusive basis.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Ensuring officials have the mental and technological support for making big decisions in big matches with big consequences?—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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All face charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and additional juvenile cases may be under seal.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Freedom of the Press Under the Current Administration — Presented by the Golden Globe Foundation, this session brings together journalists and advocates defending freedom of the press and the essential role of truth in sustaining democracy.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
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According to authorities, the typhoon has already had devastating impacts on many parts of Luzon — the Philippines’ most populous island — sustaining winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts of up to 230 kph (143 mph).—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The discovery revealed how genetic information is stored and replicated and created the foundation for modern genetic engineering, disease treatment with genes and DNA identification techniques, according to The Associated Press.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Items like mascara and eyeliner have shorter lifespans due to their potential for bacteria, while blush, foundation, and concealer might be okay for more prolonged use.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Using deep reinforcement learning The new system uses deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to guide a robot, much like human hand-eye coordination.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
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Despite Pacheco being banged up, the Chiefs decided to stand pat at the deadline and not offer reinforcements for their star quarterback.—
Andrew McCarty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In 2016, as the Commonwealth moved to censure the Maldives, New Delhi provided diplomatic cover by making the case for engagement over sanctions and supporting the Maldives’ preemptive withdrawal from the organization.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Disney’s portfolio of intellectual property has been the bedrock of its theme parks since the very first location opened its doors, and that’s translated to its cruise line as well.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
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Germany and France fought centuries of bloody wars before becoming the bedrock of the European Union.—
Jon Medved,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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China last tested its ICBM force in September 2024—its first since the 1980s—when a DF-31AG missile carrying a dummy warhead was fired toward international waters in the South Pacific, within the region's nuclear-free zone, according to a Newsweek map.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued carrying the 29 Starlink satellites toward LEO, where were deployed on schedule about an hour into flight.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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