underpin
verb
un·der·pin
ˌən-dər-ˈpin 
underpinned; underpinning; underpins
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
Synonyms
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
His connection to the region certainly informs the trancelike ecological imagery that underpins Arsin’s psycho-spiritual journey.
—
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
At stake is the basic model that has underpinned America’s modern scientific leadership, said Holden Thorp, editor in chief of the journal Science.
—Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The trust that underpinned Maryland’s politics is fraying, weakened by the bad-faith accusations of our current governor against our former governor.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025
All this should be underpinned by a simple realization—that the secret to successfully ending the most consequential European conflict in eight decades lies in making the costs of continuing it simply too heavy to bear.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
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Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
At stake is the basic model that has underpinned America’s modern scientific leadership, said Holden Thorp, editor in chief of the journal Science.
—Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The trust that underpinned Maryland’s politics is fraying, weakened by the bad-faith accusations of our current governor against our former governor.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025
All this should be underpinned by a simple realization—that the secret to successfully ending the most consequential European conflict in eight decades lies in making the costs of continuing it simply too heavy to bear.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underpin
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpin
verb
un·der·pin
-ˈpin
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
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