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
Zoomed with Variety to talk about both the practical and theoretical underpinnings of this challenging achievement.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Toyota refined the battery-electric underpinnings through several years of prototype R&D and will launch the BEV in Europe this spring as the first-available new Hilux variant.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
—Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
George Borjas has provided the intellectual underpinnings of the White House’s sweeping immigration policy changes, including restrictions on H-1B visas.
—Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Credit for its scientific underpinnings however, goes to Albert Einstein.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Toyota refined the battery-electric underpinnings through several years of prototype R&D and will launch the BEV in Europe this spring as the first-available new Hilux variant.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
—Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
George Borjas has provided the intellectual underpinnings of the White House’s sweeping immigration policy changes, including restrictions on H-1B visas.
—Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Credit for its scientific underpinnings however, goes to Albert Einstein.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
Some clerics control enormous charitable foundations worth billions of dollars through donations from followers and budgets from the state, while others operate modest local mosques with minimal resources.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Still, her median grant size, around $5 million, according to Yield Giving data analyzed by Fortune, dwarfs that of the roughly $123,000 median grant from typical foundations, Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, told The New York Times.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And this year, there’s a handful of new stays to lure travelers to its white sandy shores.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Perhaps some fans will be able to partake in their tradition of sail-gating on Lake Washington, with shores that lap up to the stadium.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In Minnesota, all of the ideological cornerstones of MAGA have been proved false at once.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As of last year, more than 140 countries had, in theory, agreed to the pillars.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Rich magenta hues fill the sky as distinct pillars also start to take form.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her son, Daniel, is on the autism spectrum, and Keane recalled a debate in the early 2010s over whether to increase funding for mental health supports.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
-
This refers to a series of policies in Mississippi that were focused on improving childhood literacy, including student supports, a focus on phonics, tutoring, accountability metrics and teacher training programs.—
Emma Murphy,
Oklahoma Voice,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Starting pitching should be a major strength for the Red Sox, as a staff of Garrett Crochet, Suarez, Gray, Brayan Bello and perhaps Johan Oviedo — another offseason addition — is the best on paper in the AL East, at least until the Yankees’ reinforcements return.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The end of the truce came as government forces had been sending reinforcements to Syria’s northeast.—
Ghaith Alsayed,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 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
-
The elaborate operation involved shipping thousands of medically unnecessary orthotic braces to Medicare beneficiaries across the country and billing taxpayers for the cost.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Another complaint said a woman in a wheelchair received braces from the company but did not order them and can’t use them due to her mobility issues.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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