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
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
-
This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
-
When money donated to charity through intermediaries primarily went to foundations, those assets were subject to a 5% payout rule.—
Ray Madoff,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
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
-
At the time, disability law experts worried that if successful, the lawsuit could topple one of the legal cornerstones of disability rights in the United States.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
2 Jan. 2026
-
The cornerstones of the collection are curves and arched silhouettes, seen primarily in bookcases, cabinets, and tables.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Contemporary accounts speak to the cruelty and exploitation that were pillars of economies of the time.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is surrounded by white sandstone domes, towering monoliths, and otherworldly pillars and arches.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In countries with universal health care and stronger social supports, families may have fewer barriers to follow-up care.—
Uché Blackstock,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Among the 13 categories deemed high risk for fraud are adult companion, day and rehabilitative mental health services, individualized home supports, residential treatment services and more.—
Riley Moser,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The peregrine falcon faced near-extinction in the UK in the 1950s before it was rescued by the banning of the pesticide DDT and stronger legal reinforcements.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Bucs hope that switching up the coaching staff, adding more reinforcements through free agency and most importantly, keeping the main leader in place, could bode well for 2026.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Nov. 2025
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Pam takes a seat in a blue-and-chrome chair and looks at Bella as a tiny girl on the beach and Bella in her choir robe and Bella smiling with braces on her teeth.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
-
The sort of uncool even someone very uncool like me would have known enough to conceal—me who wore khakis and played oboe and had braces and yes for a phase had basically no friends.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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