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
And while such mechanical underpinnings may seem ho-hum in our jaded age of hypercar performance, the 250 GT Lusso boasts a shape that remains unmatched in the history of Italian cars.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
Much of the research on its biological underpinnings has focused on the gut microbiome, the dense microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
For most people, this is a sufficient achievement to quiet any worries about its philosophical underpinnings.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
The turmoil in Hollywood across so many fronts — from the business underpinnings of TV and film to the political backlash to coastal sensibilities that led to Trump’s return to the White House last year — has taken a huge toll on the earnings of every major media conglomerate.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
The forthcoming podcast will explore the moral, social, and philosophical underpinnings of human decency—with a particular focus on the role that institutions play in shaping communities and ideologies.
—The Atlantic, 29 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
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
Much of the research on its biological underpinnings has focused on the gut microbiome, the dense microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
For most people, this is a sufficient achievement to quiet any worries about its philosophical underpinnings.
—Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
In Camps’ hands, a cable or crewneck is never simply just that — there’s a playfulness to her draping and cutouts, subverted by the juxtaposition of gossamer-like fine gauge underpinnings with cozier, enveloping sweaters.
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
The turmoil in Hollywood across so many fronts — from the business underpinnings of TV and film to the political backlash to coastal sensibilities that led to Trump’s return to the White House last year — has taken a huge toll on the earnings of every major media conglomerate.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
The forthcoming podcast will explore the moral, social, and philosophical underpinnings of human decency—with a particular focus on the role that institutions play in shaping communities and ideologies.
—The Atlantic, 29 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
Those foundations include the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Hungary’s largest educational institution, which has close ties to Orbán’s government.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
That means investing in affordable healthcare, childcare, public education, workforce training, and infrastructure — the foundations of a strong middle class.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The neighborhood/area A quaint village on Morocco’s Atlantic shores, Oualidia feels like a true dose of escapism.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Off the Statue of Liberty’s shores.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 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
-
The coating between the pillars peeled away under strain, but the tops of the pillars remained protected.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Their hands hold a banner with pillars of our democracy written on it, from peace and truth to expression and equity.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
LeBaron Moten, District 60’s deputy superintendent for operational supports and programs, or Eduardo Cesario, the deputy superintendent for academic supports and programs, will soon give their recommendations to Superintendent Theresa Plascencia for final consideration.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In January, Provost William Inboden eliminated 23 staff positions within UT’s Academic Affairs office, shuttering key supports for faculty teaching, undergraduate research, community engagement and advising.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Remember, positive reinforcements, such as praise or a hug, can go a long way.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
-
From offensive line reinforcements to boosts to the wide receiver room and — as always — quarterbacks, our writers pick the biggest need for each NFL team now that the book on Super Bowl LX has closed and the offseason begins.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 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 rebar inside looked like rusted braces without teeth.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The results point to a future where things like knee braces, exoskeletons, or even joint replacements could be tailored to an individual’s exact joint motion.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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