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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 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
In the contemporary version of this conspiracy theory, Soros looms especially large; the Anti-Defamation League has multiple pages on its website about the antisemitic underpinnings of right-wing claims that Soros is working to destabilize society.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 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
-
Jesus Sanchez had two hits including a home run, Calvin Faucher retired James Wood with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth and the visiting Miami Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Saturday.—
By,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
-
In a move widely seen as an effort to ease American ambitions for the territory, on June 12 Denmark’s parliament widened a military agreement with Washington to allow US bases on Danish soil.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Crucially, the Pixel 8 still has five years of software support left.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
This story was produced with financial support from the Esserman Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Noun
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Harry Williams, president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said the order should serve as a call to action for corporations, foundations and lawmakers to redouble support for HBCUs and their students.—
Cheyanne Mumphrey,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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In short, schools can now directly pay players through licensing deals — a concept that goes against the foundation of amateurism that college sports was built upon.—
Eddie Pells,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to provide President Donald Trump with some positive reinforcement by crediting Americans for ending a war in Europe during his visit to the White House on June 5.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
How do Arsenal balance their need for immediate reinforcements with the desire to future-proof the squad and acquire emerging talent?—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
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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
Noun
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Abrego Garcia's deportation case has become a bedrock for both the Trump administration and immigration advocates as the push to streamline deportations undercuts key elements of due process.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Office workers were once the bedrock clientele on local restaurants and bars.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 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 19 Jun. 2025.
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