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
Advertisement The intellectual underpinnings to the circular economy approach have been around for decades.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Other underpinnings, like the suspension setup, ground clearance, seat height, etc, are all under wraps at the moment.
—New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
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Lon Cardon, who runs a biomedical-research institution called the Jackson Laboratory, noted that even the richest companies and foundations cannot replace federal science spending.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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The researchers concluded that early and targeted interventions—developed in collaboration among parents, schools and health professionals—could help curb excessive screen exposure and support stronger academic foundations.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
From hidden groves and quiet trails to windswept shores and off-the-beaten paths, these locations were chosen for their ability to offer visitors a true escape — places to unwind and enjoy moments of solitude and peace away from the crowds.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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For Yash Raj Films, the return to British shores carries particular resonance.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As far as cuisine, the 13-course tasting menu (priced at $295 per person) includes a variety of dishes that show off cornerstones of Korean cooking, such as charcoal grilling and fermentation, and also take inspiration from areas across East Asia.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
15 Oct. 2025
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If this commitment to doing things the right way takes the lead, data centers can continue to be cornerstones of our day-to-day life — and nobody will have to worry about what society would look like without our digital emergency services, educational and job functions, communications and beyond.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In a matter of hours, the pillars of an entire system of repression had not simply collapsed.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is a vital part of Ramadan, the holy period that marks the month when Muslims believe the angel Gabriel first revealed the Quran, Islam’s central religious text, to the Prophet Muhammad.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This eliminates the need for temporary supports and allows longer spans without intermediate piers.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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Crowdfunding groceries is a last-mile solution in a system where wages, benefits, and public supports haven’t fully bridged the gap.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Beane, however, had better hope his incoming defensive reinforcements make a significant push to keep 2025 on the Super Bowl track.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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The Patriots added reinforcements at tight end and on their defensive line.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
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Burnout prevention and psychological safety will become the bedrocks of resilience.—
Maman Ibrahim,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende bagged braces in the rout, which was punctuated with a postgame commemoration of Busquets for his decision to retire at season’s end.—
Franco Panizo,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
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If a cafeteria staff has the time, personnel, and cutting boards to pre-slice their apples, the apples become more enticing to the youngest kids and to kids of any age who wear braces.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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