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 sway of the founder CAIO Ganju, previously the company’s chief technology officer, started his AI journey in 2018, doing deep dives on neural networks and the mathematical underpinnings.
—
Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
The writings left behind by the shooter in Wednesday's deadly attack at a Minnesota church have many of the underpinnings of a troubled person — and leave just as much confusion over why the mass shooting occurred, USA TODAY reports.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
One person familiar with the situation who asked not to be named says that the structure of Natcast is typical of public-private partnerships and that its underpinnings were thoroughly reviewed by the Commerce Department before its establishment.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Aug. 2025
On one hand, the cryptographic underpinnings of data protection and privacy are at risk.
—Dino Dimarino, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Imbued in the theological underpinnings of the Abrahamic traditions is the archetype of a false messiah who appears near the end times, called Dajjal in Islam, Antichrist in Christianity, who for some will seem a saviour, but for others will herald destruction.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Linwood and Glenwood Core to the new home devices — and current products like iPhones and iPads — is an overhaul to the underpinnings of Siri.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025
Or anyone else who may be curious about not just the phenomenon of a modern-day dynasty but its underpinnings and the interwoven tales of the people behind it.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
The writings left behind by the shooter in Wednesday's deadly attack at a Minnesota church have many of the underpinnings of a troubled person — and leave just as much confusion over why the mass shooting occurred, USA TODAY reports.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
One person familiar with the situation who asked not to be named says that the structure of Natcast is typical of public-private partnerships and that its underpinnings were thoroughly reviewed by the Commerce Department before its establishment.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Aug. 2025
On one hand, the cryptographic underpinnings of data protection and privacy are at risk.
—Dino Dimarino, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Imbued in the theological underpinnings of the Abrahamic traditions is the archetype of a false messiah who appears near the end times, called Dajjal in Islam, Antichrist in Christianity, who for some will seem a saviour, but for others will herald destruction.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Linwood and Glenwood Core to the new home devices — and current products like iPhones and iPads — is an overhaul to the underpinnings of Siri.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025
Or anyone else who may be curious about not just the phenomenon of a modern-day dynasty but its underpinnings and the interwoven tales of the people behind it.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
This is all thanks to Saturn retrograde and a total lunar eclipse in Pisces, activating your fourth house of home, family and emotional foundations.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Renovations cost about $324,000, which came from outside foundations and organizations, including Feeding San Diego.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wake up with the distinct call of the Asian koel and walk the silica shores as hermit crabs scuttle by and baby blacktip reef sharks play in the lapping waves.—
Katie Lockhart,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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Now that his $12 million estate in the suburban city of Carmel, Indiana, has snagged a buyer after only a few short days on the market, the family of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has also decided to put their late patriarch’s vacation retreat on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee up for sale.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Seek Mentorship and Sponsorship Mentorship and sponsorship remain cornerstones of executive readiness.—
Matthew C. Meade,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Social interactions during meals and exercise are basic cornerstones of the Mediterranean style of eating.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There will be a temptation because of his height to draw parallels with Moyes’ use of Marouane Fellaini and Soucek, two key pillars of his Everton and West Ham sides, but where Rohl is concerned, his size can be deceptive.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If these pillars maintain momentum, the stock could see substantial upside driven by revenue expansion and margin gains.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
According to the declaration, the fire originated underneath and to the left of Harris, who was unconscious and sitting in a folding plastic lawn chair with metal supports.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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One of the supports Sid had was live closed captioning for all of his classes.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In the event of any late outgoings to Spain, or indeed other leagues whose windows stretch beyond September 1, those with a 7pm deadline today will not be granted the time to react with any last-minute reinforcements.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
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The Dallas Wings turned to roster reinforcements again Friday, adding Christyn Williams on an extreme hardship contract and bringing back Amy Okonkwo on a second seven-day hardship agreement, according to Dallas Hoops Journal.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Burnout prevention and psychological safety will become the bedrocks of resilience.—
Maman Ibrahim,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Or, Wu suggested, instead of opting for clear plastic aligners, a person could get metal braces or retainers.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
25 Aug. 2025
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Sorci, who also has CMT, will have sample braces that people can look at and try on.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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