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
-
All major corporations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and thousands of small businesses and nonprofits signed on.—
Tracy Baim,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.—
Tammy Webber,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The quieter shores of Fallen Leaf Lake give visitors the chance to experience the serenity of the mountains just a short drive from town.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Itineraries will explore the French Riviera, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the shores of Sicily.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Once visited by emperors seeking clarity and samurai tending to battle wounds, these onsen remain cornerstones of Japanese culture.—
Kelsey Eisen,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Anthony Mantha scored two third-period goals to help Pittsburgh — playing without franchise cornerstones Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin — snap a three-game losing streak.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These are all pillars of today’s legal, ethical, medical and social consensus around end-of-life care.—
Robert S. Olick,
The Conversation,
23 Mar. 2026
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Eco effort Restoration, preservation and locality are key pillars for property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These services and supports allow students to make progress in the general curriculum and benefit from public school.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Best practices were meant to be scaffolding, temporary supports to help organizations learn from success and avoid obvious mistakes.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Close combat has become increasingly rare; in such an environment, the advantage shifts to whichever side can sustain pressure and deploy reinforcements more efficiently.—
Olivier Kempf,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Albin stressed the importance of keeping his roster upright ahead of Year 2, knowing there are no more reinforcements coming with just one transfer portal window — which closed in January.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 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
-
One look at Pacas’ fresh face, complete with a smile still full of braces, and those years may not seem so far away for this 19-year-old.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Five interchangeable tips, including two standard jet heads, an orthodontic tip ideal for braces, a periodontal jet tip that's gentle on gums, and a tongue cleaner.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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