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
Most great artists have a unifying theme—a philosophy that underpins their life experiences and anchors their body of work.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Flint The cellulose also underpins a more versatile, pliable battery structure, allowing Flint to make batteries in different forms.
—New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
Though chip restrictions remain vital, the U.S. must balance these controls with an aggressive strategy to spread other parts of AI technology, ensuring American innovation underpins the global ecosystem.
—Janet Egan, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025
Hochul has said that funds raised from the program would underpin $15 billion in debt financing for mass transit capital improvements.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Flint The cellulose also underpins a more versatile, pliable battery structure, allowing Flint to make batteries in different forms.
—New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
Though chip restrictions remain vital, the U.S. must balance these controls with an aggressive strategy to spread other parts of AI technology, ensuring American innovation underpins the global ecosystem.
—Janet Egan, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025
Hochul has said that funds raised from the program would underpin $15 billion in debt financing for mass transit capital improvements.
—Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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