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
Erica Pandey, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
But even despite their lush surfaces, Eversley’s sculptures stand apart from nearly all other Finish Fetish art because of their scientific underpinning.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 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
Experts predict the face of university research could be permanently changed, affecting work on treatments for cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes, among other conditions, along with studies on the underpinnings of disease.
—Erica Pandey, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
But even despite their lush surfaces, Eversley’s sculptures stand apart from nearly all other Finish Fetish art because of their scientific underpinning.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 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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The Cubs took the lead in the fifth on Justin Turner’s two-out, pinch-hit, infield single with the bases loaded.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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The Centurions loaded the bases behind a walk and two hit batsmen, and Lozada called on Ramon Verduzco to secure the win.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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But there was a sense of hope, rather than expectation, among the home support as the players walked out on a crystal clear spring evening in North London.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 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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This set has brushes to apply foundation, contouring and more.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Grab your favorite foundation brush or makeup sponge, or even use your fingers to rub it in.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Turing Award: The award, often called the Nobel Prize of computing, was given to Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton, the developers of a technique called reinforcement learning that is vital to chatbots.—
Eli Tan,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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By engaging employees in the process of creating their own learning plans and using them as a guideline for managing that person, managers establish a cycle of positive reinforcement that has tangible benefits.—
Bruce Tulgan,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.—
Michael McFall,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The concrete bases of the structure were located at the points where the bedrock is highest, reducing the cost of building the house’s foundations.—
María Noval-Quílez,
Architectural Digest,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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According to the wildlife charity (WDC), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, orcas, Australian humpback dolphins and sperm whales have all been observed carrying dead calves.—
Tom Howarth,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinning. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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