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
Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism.
—
Hannah Seo, Vox, 6 Aug. 2024
The price of ether, the native token underpinning the ethereum blockchain, fell to around $2,300 and has erased its gains for the year.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2024
The sturdiness of the U.S. economy -- the world's largest -- has been a key driver of global economic growth and the U.S. jobs market is a big reason for it, underpinning the American expansion and giving consumers the confidence and financial wherewithal to keep spending.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Aug. 2024
However, lab leak anxiety underpins proposals for policies that would unnecessarily restrict research on vaccines and antiviral agents in the U.S.
—John P. Moore, STAT, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Hannah Seo, Vox, 6 Aug. 2024
The price of ether, the native token underpinning the ethereum blockchain, fell to around $2,300 and has erased its gains for the year.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2024
The sturdiness of the U.S. economy -- the world's largest -- has been a key driver of global economic growth and the U.S. jobs market is a big reason for it, underpinning the American expansion and giving consumers the confidence and financial wherewithal to keep spending.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Aug. 2024
However, lab leak anxiety underpins proposals for policies that would unnecessarily restrict research on vaccines and antiviral agents in the U.S.
—John P. Moore, STAT, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
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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