underpinning 1 of 2

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ How to pronounce underpinning (audio)
Definition of underpinningnext
1
as in basis
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 support
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

underpinning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underpin
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the central beliefs that underpin a free society

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 underpinning
Noun
In a post on X, Reeves underscored the ideological underpinnings to the ruling’s potential implications. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 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
Verb
Co-stars include Aaron Paul and Bryce Dallas Howard in the story of two fraudulent paranormal investigators who are forced to face real ghosts and the lies underpinning their business. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 19 June 2026 The film showed audiences around the world that computer animation could be just as emotionally impactful as traditional animation, the very ethos underpinning Pixar’s existence. — Barry Levitt, Time, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
  1. basis
  2. support
  3. sustaining
  4. foundation
  5. reinforcement
  6. supporting
  7. bedrock
  8. pillar
Noun
  • Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) evaluates transgender student participation on a case-by-case basis, generally supporting inclusion while lacking a statewide legislative ban.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • Gifford had to have a follow-up hip surgery after sustaining a fracture from being too physically active in her condition, People noted.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The training package included in the contract is expected to prepare Polish crews and technical personnel for operating and sustaining the new fleet over its service life.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • The foundation helped raise more than $200,000 to pay off school lunch debt for students, gave out turkeys to families during the holidays and provided resources to those impacted by gun violence.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
  • The actor says the group of actors, led by Elle Woods herself, Lexi Minetree, developed a solid foundation with each other and in themselves filming the next season before the first had aired.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • Atlas performed a series of soccer moves developed using a combination of motion retargeting, reinforcement learning and whole-body control.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.
    — Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • In a recent interview on PEOPLE in 10, Chloe opened up about supporting Halle at a screening for her You, Me & Tuscany rom-com in April.
    — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie will be honored during ESPYS week in July with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award for his work supporting the global autism community.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • America’s 13 original colonies were teeming with adventurous foreigners who formed the bedrock of our dynamic economy and democracy.
    — Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026
  • Goodness knows when younger people will be able to buy a home, once considered the bedrock of achieving the American dream.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026
Definition of bedrock
Noun
  • The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • These clips, showing first-person views from drones striking military and logistical sites, have become a pillar of Ukraine’s wartime propaganda efforts to illustrate battlefield successes against Russia.
    — Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of pillar

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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on underpinning

Nglish: Translation of underpinning for Spanish Speakers

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