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.
—
Umair Irfan, Vox, 2 July 2024
The opening ceremony for the Paris Games will kick off on July 26, with the NBC broadcast network underpinning the NBCUniversal linear TV coverage, including USA Network, E!, CNBC and the Golf Channel.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 July 2024
But there should be a togetherness underpinning the freedom, too.
—Daisy Jones, Vogue, 27 June 2024
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Outside Online, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Umair Irfan, Vox, 2 July 2024
The opening ceremony for the Paris Games will kick off on July 26, with the NBC broadcast network underpinning the NBCUniversal linear TV coverage, including USA Network, E!, CNBC and the Golf Channel.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 July 2024
But there should be a togetherness underpinning the freedom, too.
—Daisy Jones, Vogue, 27 June 2024
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover—a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability.
—Outside Online, 27 June 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 15 Jul. 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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