underpinnings

noun

plural of underpinning
1
as in foundations
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 shores
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

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 underpinnings Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026 His ambitious tasting menu has high-concept underpinnings, meditating on themes like the progression of the seasons. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Li is magnificently photographed throughout and is as alluring as the part demands, but Cat has no evident personality — nor does Flint, leaving Huston playing emotionally tortured but with no meaningful underpinnings. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 The two share mechanical underpinnings, including their powertrains and most fundamental off-road hardware. — ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 Trump has alluded to the political underpinnings of the influx. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026 And yet, while the NCAA Tournament retains its traditional trappings and brackets and upsets keep the country entranced, the underpinnings of college basketball are totally different. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026 The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
  1. foundations
  2. shores
  3. cornerstones
  4. pillars
  5. bases
  6. supports
  7. bedrocks
  8. reinforcements
Noun
  • The foundations are firmly laid and the bridge between our nations is built to last.
    — Liron Zaslansky, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
  • Endurance Is Coherent Adaptation Table Mountain’s geological foundations reach back more than half a billion years.
    — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of foundations
Noun
  • Courtesy Luxury Living Costa Rica Three centuries before wealthy investors sought out trophy holdings along Costa Rica’s untamed Pacific coast, these shores were a theater of conquistadors, corsairs and cannon fire.
    — Donna Hardie-Scott, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The sport has taken her from the shores of San Francisco and Lake Tahoe to New Zealand and Manhattan, and enabled her to raise $172,000 for cancer research through the organization Swim Across America.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Definition of shores
Noun
  • But with Fam joining Malonga, there is much less room for a veteran center, especially one who hasn’t been healthy enough (Magbegor has only played four games this season) to figure out her fit with the two franchise cornerstones.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • And a starting rotation containing two cornerstones who have shown up for a total of eight games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of cornerstones
Noun
  • An array of pillars, permanent marks, the imposing Napoleonic-era Spitbank Fort, as well as the comings-and-goings of ferries and even the hovercraft going back and forth between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The Formation’s positioning is multi-pronged, but the three main pillars support a platform that is taking shape as a global community, an event business and professional network for women who love Formula 1.
    — Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of pillars
Noun
  • Athletics The Athletics are led by DH Brent Rooker, who hit 39 homers and stole 11 bases last year, and right fielder Lawrence Butler, an emerging star who added 22 homers and 18 steals.
    — Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Washington Nationals The Nationals should take the next step forward as their young nucleus, led by shortstop CJ Abrams, who hit 20 homers and stole 31 bases last year, continues to develop and improve.
    — Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of bases
Noun
  • This was all doable without creating any overhangs, so the whole thing still prints without needing supports.
    — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • For peas, Waddington suggests growing them up netting, string supports, or hazel pea sticks.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 18 July 2026
Definition of supports
Noun
  • The costs of health insurance are pushing small businesses — beloved by politicians and the bedrocks of entire communities — to a financial cliff.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 7 July 2026
  • Hillary Rodham Clinton also reflect on the bedrocks of our democracy, including the Electoral College and the peaceful transfer of power.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of bedrocks
Noun
  • If Holmes completes another successful rehab outing, contenders could view him as one of the most attractive bullpen or rotation reinforcements available despite his lengthy absence.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The good news is several key pitching reinforcements are on the way.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of reinforcements

Browse Nearby Words

underpinning
underpinnings
underpins
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Cite this Entry

“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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