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
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
Risk assessment underpins auto financing, determining who qualifies for a loan and at what rate.
—
Naeem Ghauri, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
This primal response underpins much of why food marketing depends so heavily on bright, bold reds to sell us candy, beverages, and snacks.
—Bedatri D. Choudhury, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
The legal maneuvers underpinning the lawsuits give the courts an opportunity to profoundly change America’s public schooling system.
—Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025
According to the research this unusual coloration was underpinned by the unique water chemistry of the time and the evolution of photosynthesis.
—New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2025
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Naeem Ghauri, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
This primal response underpins much of why food marketing depends so heavily on bright, bold reds to sell us candy, beverages, and snacks.
—Bedatri D. Choudhury, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
The legal maneuvers underpinning the lawsuits give the courts an opportunity to profoundly change America’s public schooling system.
—Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025
According to the research this unusual coloration was underpinned by the unique water chemistry of the time and the evolution of photosynthesis.
—New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 5 May. 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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