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
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Other underpinnings, like the suspension setup, ground clearance, seat height, etc, are all under wraps at the moment.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But there’s a social contract underpinning that danger that says that burners look out for one another.
—Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Noun
This is a comedy with grim underpinnings, set in a society where violence seems to be the only answer.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Other underpinnings, like the suspension setup, ground clearance, seat height, etc, are all under wraps at the moment.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
There’s a really solid understanding of mecha design underpinning the art direction, too, and that’s a rare thing to see these days.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But there’s a social contract underpinning that danger that says that burners look out for one another.
—Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The Chiefs out-gained the Jaguars by more than 150 yards and were far better on a per-play basis, too.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Stanching the hemorrhage of voter support requires some bold moves and tangible achievements.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Clean and sleek, they can be worn while sightseeing, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Her friend and the owner of the car was taken to the hospital after sustaining minor injuries.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Church member Greg Mikat was shot three times, according to the GoFundMe his sister has organized, sustaining injuries to his leg and chest and remains hospitalized, after confronting the gunman.—
Georgea Kovanis,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Cook wants the foundation to also benefit other neurodivergent kids, like those with ADHD or dyslexia.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The foundation of this look is a timeless trench, like the Orolay lightweight double-breasted overcoat.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Creating a routine and sticking to it can help the dog know what to expect and when, and they should be rewarded with positive reinforcement wherever possible, according to a report from Dogs Trust.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The Panthers might be able to bring back some notable reinforcements following Sunday’s blowout loss against the New England Patriots.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Beautiful clean coal has been a reliable energy source supporting American communities and economic growth for generations.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Since winning the primary in June, Mamdani has taken steps to come toward moderate voters who have been lukewarm in supporting him.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The right to citizenship at birth has long been a bedrock principle in the United States, widely accepted to have been granted by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution in 1868.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The bedrock of business has always been rooted in strategy, efficiency, originality and storytelling.—
Derya Matras,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not carrying a firearm and the only shots fired were by responding law enforcement officers, Watson said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Amato cautioned that even if the method works, carrying a pregnancy at an advanced age poses significant health risks.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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