underpins

Definition of underpinsnext
present tense third-person singular of underpin
as in sustains
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the central beliefs that underpin a free society

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 underpins The company’s pre-seed round gives it time to scale the generative learning engine that underpins the platform and to explore commercialisation. David Prosser, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 That philosophy underpins a line rooted in historical research rather than trend forecasting. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026 Transformers, a key architecture that underpins large language models, were created by Google researchers after all. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026 Mathematics underpins all of it. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Jan. 2026 The principle underpins everything from aircraft design to protective armor. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026 Lesotho, briefly hit with steep US tariffs last year, still faces uncertainty over the future of AGOA, the preferential US-Africa trade pact that underpins much of its export economy. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Molinaroli’s strategy sees philanthropy as a mechanism to strengthen the talent infrastructure that underpins economic growth. Connie Etemadi, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026 This belief that underpins his critique of visual dominance in both artmaking and public engagement. Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpins
Verb
  • According to Dumas, whether justified or not, confidence sustains effort long enough for skill and clarity to catch up.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Visiting these wineries often means supporting a multi-generational family business that sustains local traditions in a way large commercial estates cannot.
    Taryn White, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Heddon supports major streaming services like Spotify Connect, TIDAL, AirPlay and Google Cast.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Sodium is a key mineral that helps balance fluids and supports muscle and nerve function, and salt is the main dietary source.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While Nix’s absence naturally carries plenty of weight, fill-in Jarrett Stidham is far from incompetent.
    Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Now Michael Leon is behind bars, facing charges of murdering his wife with a gun, which carries 50 years to life in prison.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This bolsters my opinion that whoever drives the car should choose the music.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Amazon has been increasingly encroaching on Walmart’s turf, even as Walmart bolsters its e-commerce operations, signaling its intent to further expand its physical footprint and grocery offerings.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The statement said Caldwell upholds the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech guaranteed in the First Amendment, and said Caldwell Police Department officers and other public safety agencies would be present.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The Foundation upholds Alfred Nobel’s will and its stipulations.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Underpins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpins. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

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