Thesaurus
plural of underpinning
Synonyms of underpinnings
1
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
- the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
Synonyms for underpinnings
Words Related to underpinnings
- anchorages,
- beds,
- braces,
- bulwarks,
- buttresses,
- frameworks,
- infrastructures,
- mounts,
- props,
- shores,
- stays,
- substrata,
- substructures,
- supports
- assumptions,
- justifications,
- premises
- (also premisses),
- presumptions,
- presuppositions,
- rationales,
- suppositions,
- theories,
- theses,
- warrants
2
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 for underpinnings
Words Related to underpinnings
Learn More About underpinnings
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Challenging Words You Should Know
-
- Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Name That Animal: Volume 2
Can you tell a meerkat from a wombat?
Take the quiz
-
Fashionable Words
A vocab quiz with panache
Take the quiz
-
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share underpinnings