underpin
verb
un·der·pin
ˌən-dər-ˈpin 
underpinned; underpinning; underpins
1
: support, substantiate
underpin a thesis with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
underpin a sagging building
Examples of underpin in a Sentence
a wall underpinned by metal beams
the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Recent Examples on the Web
Gold maintains a consistent perception as a stable store of value, underpinned by centuries of human consensus.
—
Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The Old Fitzgerald 2024 Very Very Special (VVS) offers a rich, velvety texture with a harmonious blend of caramel, toasted oak, and hints of dark chocolate, underpinned by a subtle spiciness and a long, smooth finish.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Without meaningful regulation or self-restraint by AI firms, the arms race between data-hungry bots and those attempting to defend open source infrastructure seems likely to escalate further, potentially deepening the crisis for the digital ecosystem that underpins the modern Internet.
—Ars Technica, 25 Mar. 2025
All of this is calculated with the equations that underpin general relativity: Einstein's field equations.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The Old Fitzgerald 2024 Very Very Special (VVS) offers a rich, velvety texture with a harmonious blend of caramel, toasted oak, and hints of dark chocolate, underpinned by a subtle spiciness and a long, smooth finish.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Without meaningful regulation or self-restraint by AI firms, the arms race between data-hungry bots and those attempting to defend open source infrastructure seems likely to escalate further, potentially deepening the crisis for the digital ecosystem that underpins the modern Internet.
—Ars Technica, 25 Mar. 2025
All of this is calculated with the equations that underpin general relativity: Einstein's field equations.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpin
verb
un·der·pin
-ˈpin
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
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