Thesaurus results for UNDERPINNINGS

underpinnings

noun

plural of underpinning

as in foundations

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

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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

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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

Noun

Earth Fire Alliance is supported by various philanthropic foundations, including the Bezos Earth Fund which pledged $26 million in June.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

Set the scene With a prime position on the shores of Lake Constance at the confluence of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, Buff Medical Resort is a brand new beast with searing ambition.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
George and Amal Clooney own a villa there, while stars including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, David and Victoria Beckham, Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez have all vacationed along its shores, drawn by the luxury estates and private boat access.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of shores

Noun

Food and drink Seasonality and local sourcing are the cornerstones of Indigo, the main restaurant that sits on a mezzanine floor overlooking the lobby bar.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Curriculum reform was one of the cornerstones of Louisiana’s rise in literacy achievement.

— Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026

Definition of cornerstones

Noun

Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of pillars

Noun

The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The buckling occurred on the 21st floor of the newer structure, and crews have installed temporary supports as officials investigate.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of supports

Noun

In recent seasons, the Phillies have routinely searched for outfield reinforcements without any newcomer really seizing a long-term everyday opportunity.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.

— Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of reinforcements

Noun

After opening with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, the reigning European champions have scored eight goals in the past three games, with Mikel Oyarzabal notching a pair of braces.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Volunteers are also printing neck braces, IV bag holders, and other medical equipment.

— Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026

Definition of braces

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underpinnings

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“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinnings

noun

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