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
Relevance
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
Wang, a specialist in suspense and female-centric narratives, was drawn to the series’ philosophical underpinnings.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Optimizing sleep, exercise, diet, and social connectivity all have biological underpinnings, and these interventions are good for every age.
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
When styled in the lookbook (on fellow Vogue World attendee Emma Chamberlain, nonetheless), the white lace skirt-and-top pair was styled with nude underpinnings.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Certain other kinds—like ovarian, endometrial, and even pancreatic, stomach, and melanoma—can share genetic underpinnings with breast cancer, so having these in your bloodline could up your risk.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
That picture began to change in the early 2000s, as researchers uncovered the biological underpinnings of different breast cancer subtypes.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Optimizing sleep, exercise, diet, and social connectivity all have biological underpinnings, and these interventions are good for every age.
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
When styled in the lookbook (on fellow Vogue World attendee Emma Chamberlain, nonetheless), the white lace skirt-and-top pair was styled with nude underpinnings.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Certain other kinds—like ovarian, endometrial, and even pancreatic, stomach, and melanoma—can share genetic underpinnings with breast cancer, so having these in your bloodline could up your risk.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025
That picture began to change in the early 2000s, as researchers uncovered the biological underpinnings of different breast cancer subtypes.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
Both coalitions align African foundations and businesses to coordinate investments, champion learning as an economic priority, and strengthen delivery through their influence and capabilities.—
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Jasmine Crowe-Houston is the founder of Goodr, an organization that regularly combats food waste by collaborating with businesses, foundations, governments, and sports teams to provide high-quality food to local communities.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This includes the land on the shores of the Narta Lagoon that Subashi and his fellow villagers say were stolen from them.—
Lindita Cela,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan are vineyards lined with neat rows of grapevines.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Because their season was an overwhelming disappointment that saw many of their offensive cornerstones underperform and many of their pitching shortcuts came back to bite them.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Now 21, George has validated that move with an early-season breakout that’s turned him into one of Washington’s cornerstones.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
My first apartment on 15th and Union Square was a studio in a classy old building with marble pillars, one small room with a bigger bathroom and strangely an even bigger closet.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The lobby's grand pillars and coffered ceilings exude Old World elegance, while the plush furniture and stone fireplace create a cozy living room feel.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There are very few supports for parents from the government, and many families are isolated from extended relations and communities that might be able to offer a helping hand.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
One such community violence intervention in Chicago, called Create Real Economic Destiny, uses community organizations to identify the individuals most at risk of being involved in violent crime and recruit them to receive supports such as mental health care, mentorship, education and job training.—
NPR,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Despite Pacheco being banged up, the Chiefs decided to stand pat at the deadline and not offer reinforcements for their star quarterback.—
Andrew McCarty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Ukrainian Military source / via Reuters Kononchuk hopes that these reinforcements will stabilize the situation.—
Elmira Aliieva,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Burnout prevention and psychological safety will become the bedrocks of resilience.—
Maman Ibrahim,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Supportive footwear or braces can also be helpful, when needed.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Playing Tootie, Fields made braces cool — and got into plenty of trou-ble with her penchant for gossip.—
Michele Corriston,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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