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

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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

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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
Having sought to upend the global maritime order — the underpinning of the global goods trade, energy flows, food supplies, and internet communications — China now seeks the trust of smaller countries to shape the digital one. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
Verb
While much is made of the Gulf’s domestic AI build-outs, the ambitious global deals show the region is also focused on securing a stake in the infrastructure underpinning the technology. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Xiaomi introduced the SkyNomad, and all-new Kunlun Platform, underpinning it at a world premiere last week. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 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
  • Pricing Happy Head’s topical solution is billed on a monthly basis, with a single bottle containing two ounces of treatment solution.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Rice had a side hustle as a vintage dealer and brought in plenty of pieces from the same era, including 1950s sofas by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, a pair of 1970s blue suede armchairs, and benches from France with colorful bases.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Wesseh said Liberia’s development needs may have influenced the government’s decision, with officials hoping the agreement would bring support from Washington.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • Still, the Sky have not earned a reputation for sustaining a system from year to year — and the status of the remaining roster does not lend itself to a building process for the Sky.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Trey Moore, who had emerged as a front-runner to start at linebacker for the Dolphins, will be out awhile after sustaining an ankle injury during Saturday’s 26-3 preseason loss to the Giants.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • Beneath that sits a high-density support-foam foundation designed to limit sagging and compression over time, along with a textured anti-slip base to reduce movement on the bed frame.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Aid by Trade introduced its Regenerative Cotton Standard in 2023 with the goal of promoting soil health and biodiversity, and the foundation said that program has expanded in India and Tanzania.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • Police reinforcements were called late Saturday to the temporary accommodation center for asylum seekers in Sintiki, a few kilometers (miles) from the Bulgarian border, after migrants threw rocks at guards, according to police.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The past two preseason games should prove that this Dolphins team needs reinforcements.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • The bridge’s 22 piers were seismically retrofitted from the water upward in 2002, but the underwater infrastructure supporting the piers hasn’t been renovated or upgraded since the bridge opened to traffic in 1969.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fewer workers are splitting the cost of supporting a larger, longer-living retired population.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • The rest go deeper, forming waves that may move through some combination of loose material or the underlying bedrock.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In a matter of decades, private credit has become the bedrock of the post-industrial US economy, contributing nearly $900 billion to the country’s GDP and providing six million jobs over the past three years alone.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bedrock
Noun
  • Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillar

Browse Nearby Words

underpinned
underpinning
underpinnings
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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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