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
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Recent Examples of underpinnings
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
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
The title of the park, which will likely move to a more permanent location in 2027, hints at its feminist underpinnings.
—Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
His research focuses on the neural and psychological underpinnings of visual perception and mental imagery.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Lexus, for example, shares some underpinnings with Toyota brand vehicles made in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
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
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
The title of the park, which will likely move to a more permanent location in 2027, hints at its feminist underpinnings.
—Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
His research focuses on the neural and psychological underpinnings of visual perception and mental imagery.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Lexus, for example, shares some underpinnings with Toyota brand vehicles made in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
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On this part of the map, a string of Trail of Tears museums, historic markers, burial grounds and broken stone foundations connect − all preserved so America doesn't forget the atrocities that happened along these routes.—
Keith Sharon,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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By the end of that century, American Express products shifted as immigrants came to our shores and innovations in travel made the globe smaller.—
Nancy Cutler,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Those teeth can be found as fossils in the Chesapeake Bay around the shores of Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Legendary American underground cartoon artist Robert Crumb will also be honored with a major exhibition in Naples, described in a statement as one the cornerstones of this year’s edition.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
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Plus, some of the players Colorado is counting on to be cornerstones are off to terrible starts.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The two pillars of private markets have become deeply intertwined over the past decade, with direct lenders stepping in as a key financing engine for buyouts after banks retreated following the global financial crisis, according to industry veterans.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Along with North, last year’s inaugural class included Kansas City arts pillars such as visual artist Harold Smith, drum and dance instructor Danny Hinds and singer Darcus Speed Gates, reflecting the range of disciplines the awards aim to recognize.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Think of vertical supports, like stakes or tomato cages, as must-have space-saving tools.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
19 Apr. 2026
-
As the peonies continue to grow, and then eventually bloom, the stems should grow up and through the various supports of the cage.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Braves, already holding an early advantage atop their division, have in-season reinforcements on the way.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The Panthers brought in reinforcements from free agency, but building for the future might be on Carolina’s mind.—
Alex Zietlow
April 21,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the bedrocks of Bednar’s coaching philosophy is breaking the season into 10-game segments.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
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Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
As a child, Smith used crutches and leg braces.—
John Beifuss,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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Many of the braces were shipped to beneficiaries who neither requested nor needed them, the DOJ said.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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