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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underpinning
Utkarsh Sood
june 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
But for now, at least, the financial underpinnings of the U.S. economy haven’t suffered damage.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
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
Taking a look at the underpinnings, the 6.3-kWh three-battery version of the E-VO weighs 344 lb (156 kg), while the two-battery version weighs 315 lb (143 kg).
—Utkarsh Sood
june 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
But for now, at least, the financial underpinnings of the U.S. economy haven’t suffered damage.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 June 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
Noun
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In a realignment era when rivalries (and trophies) are forced upon fan bases, Notre Dame-Clemson has grown organically, fed by moments that would define seasons and careers.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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And while the Texas outbreak has slowed significantly, across the country, Rivers says the U.S. is now seeing more cases on a weekly basis than in previous years.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Advertisement Advertisement Trump showed some support for national parks during his first term, signing the Great American Outdoors Act, which dedicated up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to fund deferred maintenance projects identified by the NPS and other parks departments.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
13 July 2025
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At the same time, Trump has also expressed more support for Graham’s bill proposing new sanctions on Russia, including a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
13 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Rogge wasn’t admitted and did a foundation year in Antwerp. 2005 - 2008 Enrolls in the bachelor’s program at the Royal Academy.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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The Rangoon operation laid the foundation for further collaboration between India and Pakistan.—
Sam Dalrymple,
Time,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The Mechanics Of Machine Learning Models AI models rely on clean data, semantic relationships and reinforcement.—
Don Dodds,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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For fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen, the bandage dress revival can be both a reinforcement of traditional beauty standards and a subversion of them.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
Verb
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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
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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And some Senate Republicans are raising alarm bells about cuts that make up the bedrock of the package.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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Terrain and Hydrology The region hardest hit — the Texas Hill Country — is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding due to its rugged terrain and shallow soil: Steep slopes and limestone bedrock cause water to run off quickly instead of soaking into the ground.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The SpaceX Dragon vehicle carrying the four spacefarers selected for a mission known as Crew-10 successfully docked at the orbital outpost about 28 hours after launching from Florida.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
16 Mar. 2025
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But Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insists the ethos remains, even at times such as these, with his team carrying a seven-game losing streak and 29-38 record into Monday night’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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