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
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
There are likely genetic underpinnings that explain at least in part why people do not respond or super respond to pharmacologic levels of GLP-1.
—Jody Dushay, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
Knowing this, researchers at Princeton University recently investigated the neurological underpinnings of rodent fatherhood.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
And while such mechanical underpinnings may seem ho-hum in our jaded age of hypercar performance, the 250 GT Lusso boasts a shape that remains unmatched in the history of Italian cars.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
Much of the research on its biological underpinnings has focused on the gut microbiome, the dense microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
For most people, this is a sufficient achievement to quiet any worries about its philosophical underpinnings.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
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
There are likely genetic underpinnings that explain at least in part why people do not respond or super respond to pharmacologic levels of GLP-1.
—Jody Dushay, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
Knowing this, researchers at Princeton University recently investigated the neurological underpinnings of rodent fatherhood.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
And while such mechanical underpinnings may seem ho-hum in our jaded age of hypercar performance, the 250 GT Lusso boasts a shape that remains unmatched in the history of Italian cars.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
Much of the research on its biological underpinnings has focused on the gut microbiome, the dense microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
For most people, this is a sufficient achievement to quiet any worries about its philosophical underpinnings.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
Strong foundations can carry big dreams without unnecessary strain.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
-
As a guideline, mascaras should be tossed after three to six months, liquid eyeliner after three months, and liquid foundations and concealers after one year.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In 2025, the Defense Intelligence Agency assessed that Iran’s missile program was a decade away from being able to target American shores.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Experience gorgeous lake views on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With the addition of productive veterans and, more critically, the growth of cornerstones like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, McTavish’s malaise has been easy to overlook.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Lifestyle remains essential — adequate physical activity, nutrition, sleep and stress management are cornerstones of cardiovascular health.—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The three pillars of the Alpha Plan involve an Alpha Phone, which is the Robot Phone that was unveiled along with the humanoid.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Three pillars The World Bank Group is pursuing the first path with urgency, bringing together public finance, knowledge, private capital and risk-management tools around a jobs strategy built on three pillars.—
Ajaypal Banga,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The need for more mental health providers is a systemic problem and therefore the legislature and DCF must find a way to increase meaningful supports for children, advocates and lawyers say.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2026
-
These structural supports made a long-term career in teaching seem possible.—
Brian Bender,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Borders closed, embassies emptied and allies sent military reinforcements.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
-
While the Schwindt loss is the latest among a slew of losses to injuries for the Panthers this season, Florida is hoping that some of its key reinforcements will be back as soon as next week.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 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
-
Shaw and Bosco built another company together called SB Tactical, which produces controversial arm braces for guns.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The Everyday Appeal of Tennis Bracelets Tennis braces were once reserved for formal events.—
Malana VanTayler,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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