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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Otherwise, the underpinnings are perfectly sorted. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026 His ambitious tasting menu has high-concept underpinnings, meditating on themes like the progression of the seasons. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings

Noun

As extreme weather becomes more common and disruptive, the effects can impair relationships, interrupt routines and communication, and damage gathering places and the foundations of community traditions.

— Fiona Doherty, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026
Those engineering foundations ultimately determine whether more ambitious fusion experiments can be conducted reliably and safely.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of foundations

Noun

The boat had initially departed Monday from Normandy shores and was being monitored by French rescue vessels.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
From Ancient Greek Sandals to Christopher Esber, these foam footbeds and jelly straps can handle sandy shores and poolside splashes, while being some of the easiest shoes to pack up.

— Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of shores

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

Transportation issues, costs of services and a lack of care options make accessing information on dementia, caregiving and specialized supports for memory care particularly difficult for rural communities.

— Eric Cerino, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
The local nonprofit supports families affected by homicide and violent crime.

— Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of supports

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

Left-back could also do with reinforcements, with a thin pool of options available to cover for Luke Shaw, whose fitness record has been patchy during his 12-year career in Manchester.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
The Red Sox had one of their biggest trade deadlines in franchise history last Monday, bringing aboard loads of big league reinforcements led by three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforcements

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“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underpinnings

noun

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