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
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Recent Examples of underpinning
The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
Republicans focus on Christian Bible passages At Wednesday’s hearing, three Christian pastors testified in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, and were asked by Republican lawmakers about the scriptural underpinnings for their views.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 22 Jan. 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
The intent is to foreground and amplify the story’s scandalous underpinnings, which, in all fairness, were loosely veiled to begin with.
—The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
Republicans focus on Christian Bible passages At Wednesday’s hearing, three Christian pastors testified in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, and were asked by Republican lawmakers about the scriptural underpinnings for their views.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 22 Jan. 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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Losses per share widened to 64 cents on a diluted basis, from 3 cents in the year-earlier quarter.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
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Operating profit, meanwhile, soared 49.5% and 55% on a reported and underlying basis respectively, to £2.9 million and £2.5 billion.—
Royston Wild,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and its chief lobbyist Joel Kaplan have criticised EU tech rules and enlisted the support of U.S. President Donald Trump.—
Foo Yun Chee,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Boycott calls against Goya Foods for its CEO’s support of Trump in 2020 also had limited success because many of those advocating for a boycott were not Goya’s core consumers to begin with, Liaukonyte said.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
19 Feb. 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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Don't 'drive a wedge' in your current relationship Talking it out means a relationship must sit on a solid foundation of trust.—
David Oliver,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Integration has been a core principle of the European Union since its foundation just two years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), proper introductions, consistent training and positive reinforcement can help dogs and cats develop a trusting relationship.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
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North Korean reinforcements haven’t improved Russia’s faltering fortunes in Kursk.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 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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Consumer spending is the bedrock of the U.S. economy, contributing almost 70% of GDP, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.—
Anne Marie Lee,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2025
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Sams, another right-footed center back, was then the defensive bedrock of Orlando’s title-winning season.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Acker went from carrying 72 times in 2023 to once last season but can handle the load if necessary or serve as a lead blocker.—
Jesse Temple,
The Athletic,
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 3 Mar. 2025.
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