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

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

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
This jarring contrast exposes the racial underpinnings of their concept of American identity and leadership. — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 But Robinson lent his work a different kind of conceptual underpinning via his process, which relied not on traditional training but the kind of learning available in amateur painting books. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 10 Feb. 2025
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
  1. basis
  2. support
  3. sustaining
  4. foundation
  5. reinforcement
  6. supporting
  7. bedrock
  8. carrying
Noun
  • In contrast, the energy transition has a long-term basis, with 2050 as the magic date of the Paris agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 C degrees above pre-industrial times.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Many of these fighters refuse to follow commands from the prime minister, instead firing rockets at U.S. bases and fighting in Syria at Iran’s request.
    — Michael Knights, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of basis
Noun
  • For caregivers, consider how communities have created lifelines to showcase that support exists and that the journey does not have to be siloed.
    — Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The bill passed Friday evening in a 54-46 vote, with the support of Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Angus King (I-Maine), who caucuses with Democrats.
    — Sophia Vento, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of sustaining
Noun
  • Advocates argue that this framework has provided the foundation for decades of stability and prosperity, while critics question its fairness and relevance in today’s multipolar world.
    — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
  • An event from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla will recognize Knight’s accomplishments and this year’s group of 50 ARCS scholars while serving as a fundraiser for the foundation.
    — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • There’s a fine line between lighting up people when it’s required while also giving positive reinforcement, and Bridges has figured out the formula to toeing it effectively, taking on the unenviable duty of being the person trying to keep everybody in check on the court.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025
  • However, positive reinforcement is more than rewards.
    — Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of reinforcement
Verb
  • The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.
    — Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
  • If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.
    — Aliza Knox, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of supporting
Noun
  • Public education is the bedrock of the community, said Oster, who is working on a doctorate in educational leadership.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Traditional architecture simply can't keep pace with today's demands for real-time processing, personalization and elastic scaling while maintaining the bedrock of security and compliance that our industry requires.
    — Jitender Jain, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of bedrock
Verb
  • The suspect was reportedly carrying an assault rifle and a handgun.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Tahlequah, the mother orca who touched hearts worldwide in 2018 by carrying her dead calf for 17 days, has experienced another tragic loss.
    — Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of carrying

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Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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