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
Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025
Any designer or architect worth their salt will tell you that having an inspired client, wholly engaged in the conceptual and aesthetic underpinnings of a commission, is an enormous boon to the prospect of original creative expression.
—Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
Nichols’ zoning ideas shaped the emerging communities around Kansas City, and the housing divide today is in many ways coded in the region’s underpinnings.
—Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025
Any designer or architect worth their salt will tell you that having an inspired client, wholly engaged in the conceptual and aesthetic underpinnings of a commission, is an enormous boon to the prospect of original creative expression.
—Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
Verb
There is no better book to give you an insider’s feel for what constitutes the sartorial intelligence underpinning Italian men’s fashion.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
And buyouts mean that towns’ tax bases decrease, bringing in less money to apply to future floods.—
John Seabrook,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
-
After Chandler Simpson popped out — ending his Rays rookie-record hitting streak at 18 games — Ha-Seong Kim and Yandy Diaz walked, loading the bases and bringing up All-Star Junior Caminero.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal (daniellefaskell@gmail.com).—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
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Applying change management principles, like gaining early buy-in, offering dedicated support and providing proper training, can turn hesitation into enthusiasm and drive successful transformation.—
Hank Boughner,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The falling birth rate is a concern in terms of sustaining economic development and the provision of support for large numbers of elderly people in the future.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
31 Dec. 2024
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While many artists can easily build a brand and fandom on social media, and then release music across streaming platforms without a major record label deal, managing and sustaining an entire career takes more know-how.—
Andrea Zarczynski,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Rogge wasn’t admitted and did a foundation year in Antwerp. 2005 - 2008 Enrolls in the bachelor’s program at the Royal Academy.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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The rebuilt lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials, but was scaled back in its design, removing a second story and observation tower that were part of the original, according to the National Park Service.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The New York Yankees have a reinforcement on the way ahead of their postseason push.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
25 July 2025
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The first shots were exchanged in May, prompting the reinforcement of the border.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
Verb
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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And some Senate Republicans are raising alarm bells about cuts that make up the bedrock of the package.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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Thin soil on top of a layer of bedrock also limits how much water can be absorbed in the ground, Gochis said.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
10 July 2025
Verb
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But Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insists the ethos remains, even at times such as these, with his team carrying a seven-game losing streak and 29-38 record into Monday night’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
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The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying the four spacefarers selected for a mission known as Crew-10 successfully docked at the orbital outpost about 28 hours after launching from Florida.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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