underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Synonyms
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
Misappropriating genetics While science does not support genetic essentialism or other underpinnings of replacement theory, this exact rationale has made its way into national immigration policy.
—
Shoumita Dasgupta, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
Their prudence is warranted since the business case supporting DEI programs and their ideological underpinnings is losing ground as more research emerges.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Hood and fender styling allows for the Armada to have better sight lines than the Infiniti QX80 is shares much of its underpinnings with.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Their viewpoint is that with the byzantine array of a large-scale mathematical and computational underpinning, there is indubitably a chance that unanticipated combinations and permutations are going to occur.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning 
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Shoumita Dasgupta, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
Their prudence is warranted since the business case supporting DEI programs and their ideological underpinnings is losing ground as more research emerges.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Hood and fender styling allows for the Armada to have better sight lines than the Infiniti QX80 is shares much of its underpinnings with.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Their viewpoint is that with the byzantine array of a large-scale mathematical and computational underpinning, there is indubitably a chance that unanticipated combinations and permutations are going to occur.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning
Dictionary Entries Near underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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