underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
underpinned; underpinning; underpins

transitive verb

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
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.
Ian Schrager's signature style, clean and contemporary, underpins the rooms with an ever-so-naughty playfulness. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) obtained an order from a United States district court last week to seize and take down about 2,300 domains underpinning Lumma’s infrastructure. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 Tesla is in talks with major automakers to license the FSD software that is expected to underpin its robotaxis, Musk said. Akash Sriram, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The economic model that has underpinned the liberal order since the end of the Cold War has also failed too many people. MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpin

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpin was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpin

verb
un·​der·​pin -ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on underpin

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