Thesaurus results for UNDERPINNINGS

underpinnings

noun

plural of underpinning

as in foundations

an immaterial thing upon which something else rests the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of underpinnings Summary Toyota's new C-HR+ electric SUV signals a serious EV commitment, presenting a larger, sharper-looking model distinct from its hybrid counterpart, built on bZ4X underpinnings. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 However, the political underpinnings of that panic are rarely identified and challenged. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026 Li is magnificently photographed throughout and is as alluring as the part demands, but Cat has no evident personality — nor does Flint, leaving Huston playing emotionally tortured but with no meaningful underpinnings. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 The two share mechanical underpinnings, including their powertrains and most fundamental off-road hardware. — ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 Trump has alluded to the political underpinnings of the influx. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings

Noun

The money comes from foundations and from Tulsa's First Presbyterian Church, located across the street.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
Launched in 2022 with an initial $400 million investment, LIV Golf looked to rival the PGA Tour by featuring $250 million in prize purses, with no less of an aim than to shake the foundations of the sport.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

In the months that followed, the Mets bid farewell to franchise cornerstones Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and — despite trying to retain him — closer Edwin Diaz.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Both candidates see modernizing the office’s systems and expanding access to the public as cornerstones of their campaigns.

— Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of cornerstones

Noun

Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus’ core group of Zach Werenski and Adam Fantilli are pillars to build around, and the Blue Jackets have some good secondary young talent too.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Those two pillars — the Fosse and Harpman — allowed the Levys to open their office in Oakland in 2024.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pillars

Noun

Athletics The Athletics are led by DH Brent Rooker, who hit 39 homers and stole 11 bases last year, and right fielder Lawrence Butler, an emerging star who added 22 homers and 18 steals.

— Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Washington Nationals The Nationals should take the next step forward as their young nucleus, led by shortstop CJ Abrams, who hit 20 homers and stole 31 bases last year, continues to develop and improve.

— Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

Definition of bases

Noun

The costs of health insurance are pushing small businesses — beloved by politicians and the bedrocks of entire communities — to a financial cliff.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 7 July 2026
Hillary Rodham Clinton also reflect on the bedrocks of our democracy, including the Electoral College and the peaceful transfer of power.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 June 2026

Definition of bedrocks

Noun

Police reinforcements were called late Saturday to the temporary accommodation center for asylum seekers in Sintiki, a few kilometers (miles) from the Bulgarian border, after migrants threw rocks at guards, according to police.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
If Miami doesn’t get adequate pass rushing from the defensive front this could be a long season for Miami’s secondary unless reinforcements are added.

— Omar Kelly August 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcements

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“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinnings

noun

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