underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin 

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

Synonyms

• bear
• bolster
• brace
• buttress
• carry
• prop (up)
• shore (up)
• stay
• support
• sustain
• undergird
• uphold

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

The finding underpins all of the EPA's greenhouse-gas regulations. —Valerie Volcovici, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

Together with our allies, the United States will also continue to choke off revenue and equipment underpinning Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

And its treasure trove of data that underpinned global analysis on food security – used by researchers around the world – has been pulled offline. —Lauren Kent, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025

Her proposal is underpinned by 150 billion euros ($162 billion) worth of loans to buy priority military equipment. —TIME, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin

Kids 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