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
Optimizing sleep, exercise, diet, and social connectivity all have biological underpinnings, and these interventions are good for every age.
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
When styled in the lookbook (on fellow Vogue World attendee Emma Chamberlain, nonetheless), the white lace skirt-and-top pair was styled with nude underpinnings.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 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
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
When styled in the lookbook (on fellow Vogue World attendee Emma Chamberlain, nonetheless), the white lace skirt-and-top pair was styled with nude underpinnings.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
The same Philadelphia that witnessed the birth of American independence also nurtured competing visions of nationhood—ones that challenged the very foundations of who could claim full citizenship in the republic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
In those early days, even with needs piling up, wealthy donors and private foundations grappled with how to respond.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Perched on the European shores of the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only Ottoman imperial palace transformed into a luxury hotel.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan features miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna, towering bluffs, an island lighthouse, coastal villages, picturesque farmsteads and more.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In 1986, his government opened free trade talks with the Reagan administration, forcing a national conversation that would put the cornerstones of Canadian political identity to the test.—
Dónal Gill,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Allen and James Cook are two excellent cornerstones for the offense.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Similarly, Labrador Retrievers are consistent in their high energy and intelligence, devoted to their owners, while serving as pillars for the family.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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In the first six months of 2025, the key pillars were still going strong, according to the company’s investor presentation.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Each measurement ensures that the additional supports will hold the tree evenly, preventing stress on the branches during winter storms.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Many have expressed concern about the aging pipes over several years, as anchor strikes, missing pipeline supports and loss of protective pipeline coating have been discovered.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
After struggling in relief for much of the year, the Yankees brought in several reinforcements at the trade deadline and could soon part ways with numerous pitchers.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The men, who did not make the podium in Beijing, will have some reinforcements next year as NHL players will be returning to the Games for the first time since 2014.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Burnout prevention and psychological safety will become the bedrocks of resilience.—
Maman Ibrahim,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Dental specialists are now doing canine braces and porcelain veneers.—
Jane Stern,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Removing the roof required a fair amount of engineering to ensure torsional rigidity, including strengthening the door sills, A-pillars, and adding cross-body braces.—
Sean Evans,
Robb Report,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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