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
The unibody structure and assembly were essentially British, with mechanical underpinnings from Volvo’s Amazon/122 series.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 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
Their recovery toolkits combine medication that goes to work on the biochemical underpinnings of addiction with community, connection and accountability that reinforce their recovery.
—Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Democrats say the administration has ignored requests from Democrats to provide more information about the strikes or details about their legal underpinnings.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025
But without those first two underpinnings, none of those values can be protected.
—Koray Köse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
This is a comedy with grim underpinnings, set in a society where violence seems to be the only answer.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Other underpinnings, like the suspension setup, ground clearance, seat height, etc, are all under wraps at the moment.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 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
Their recovery toolkits combine medication that goes to work on the biochemical underpinnings of addiction with community, connection and accountability that reinforce their recovery.
—Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Democrats say the administration has ignored requests from Democrats to provide more information about the strikes or details about their legal underpinnings.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025
But without those first two underpinnings, none of those values can be protected.
—Koray Köse, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
This is a comedy with grim underpinnings, set in a society where violence seems to be the only answer.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Other underpinnings, like the suspension setup, ground clearance, seat height, etc, are all under wraps at the moment.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
There are measurable consequences of this moment that will reshape the health and stability of our state, while steadily eroding the foundations of our democracy.—
Trena Turner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
That laid the foundations for a chaotic second half, during which the lead changed hands on six occasions before McManus’ field goal made it 37-37.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Quieter shores include Tiger Shores, Ross Witham Beach, and Bathtub Beach.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Sunset Fest Cabo — the luxury event billed as a yacht-rock paradise on the sandy shores of Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — is facing rough waters as a majority of the artists scheduled for the three-day lineup have suddenly dropped from the roster.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the Kings’ perfect world, two cornerstones will give way to two more.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis are both 25-year-old, two-way players who could be long-term cornerstones of the Sacramento Kings.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Authorities said the building’s foundation pillars gave way while construction workers were laying down concrete.—
Britt Clennett,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
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Strategic pillars are scholarships and student investment; programmatic innovation and resources; talent discovery and development; research and advocacy; and institutional capacity building.—
Ryan Anderson,
Arkansas Online,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Head Start programs with grant cycles that begin in October will likely experience disruptions in the short term, according to First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy nonprofit focused on supports for women and children.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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This includes the Texas Family First pilot program, which received $23 million in state funding to continue the program aimed at preventing children from entering foster care through supports such as mental health and behavioral health services.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Panthers might be able to bring back some notable reinforcements following Sunday’s blowout loss against the New England Patriots.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
-
With their trade deadline reinforcements in, this team has few holes.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 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
-
Betty, a quirky Mexican American with adult braces and cute red prescription glasses, often incorporated her culture into her ensembles using bright colors and patterns, like her famous poncho with the city of Guadalajara emblazoned across the front.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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Timm’s smile widened, revealing braces adorned with orange, black and white rubber bands – her personal tribute to monarch migration season.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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