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
Relevance
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
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
the central beliefs that underpin a free society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples 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
Matt Minton, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Scientists have traced the genetic underpinnings of our ability to digest carbs to more than 800,000 years ago, long before the advent of agriculture—and much earlier than previously thought.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning 
Noun
The audience begins to learn some of the mysterious underpinnings of the organization behind the Squid Games and the VIPs that take pleasure in the demise of the poor people fighting for survival in their thirst for money.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Scientists have traced the genetic underpinnings of our ability to digest carbs to more than 800,000 years ago, long before the advent of agriculture—and much earlier than previously thought.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
There is no better book to give you an insider’s feel for what constitutes the sartorial intelligence underpinning Italian men’s fashion.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Jensen Huang’s company has become the poster child for all things AI, with its graphics processing units underpinning the technology’s large language models.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinning
Noun
-
Prior to the 2023 season, Major League Baseball announced a spate of rules designed to make stealing bases easier — instituting penalties for pitchers who take too much time between pitches, and fail to pick off a runner within three attempts.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
-
Like many of his predecessors, the former Burnley manager saw key players sold on a regular basis in an attempt to balance the books and keep Everton afloat.Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In the Legislature, some of DeSantis’ allies were quick to show their support for the governor, putting them at odds with their chamber’s leadership.Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
-
Andrew Whitworth, a former offensive lineman who spent five seasons with the Rams, gave a speech at the State Farm Stadium, showing his support to the L.A. community.Renan Botelho, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The falling birth rate is a concern in terms of sustaining economic development and the provision of support for large numbers of elderly people in the future.George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
-
While many artists can easily build a brand and fandom on social media, and then release music across streaming platforms without a major record label deal, managing and sustaining an entire career takes more know-how.Andrea Zarczynski, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Side two is the Instant Redness Corrector that can even be used in lieu of foundation (or worn underneath it) on no makeup-makeup days.Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
-
Mars retrograde eventually enters Cancer on Jan. 6, encouraging introspection around your home, family and emotional foundation.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
His most pressing concern is getting a few reinforcements signed and in camp in the coming days to replace the six players who left.Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
-
By incorporating reinforcement learning, these models continuously adapt to changes in user roles and behaviors, refining their detection capabilities.Vishwanadham Mandala, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
-
Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.Doug Melville, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In an industry rife with pseudoscience, expertise is the bedrock upon which true leadership is built.Lara Devgan, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
-
That accountable standard has been the bedrock of the group’s success.Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Acker went from carrying 72 times in 2023 to once last season but can handle the load if necessary or serve as a lead blocker.Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
-
The plane carrying the team was traveling in a private jet and nearly collided with a Delta Air Lines plane taking off from Los Angeles International Airport.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share