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
Driving between Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, the ideas that underpin Land Art begin to feel clearer.
—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
3 July 2026
There are also three fixes for the Kernel, the engine that underpins the operating system.
—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
But liberals should have confidence in meeting those fears with arguments about natural-law principles of equality and dignity underpinning our legal tradition.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
2 July 2026
Deep demand, but domestic ambitions India has a strong IPO market, underpinned by resilient domestic participation from retail investors, mutual funds and pension capital.
—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
3 July 2026
There are also three fixes for the Kernel, the engine that underpins the operating system.
—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
But liberals should have confidence in meeting those fears with arguments about natural-law principles of equality and dignity underpinning our legal tradition.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
2 July 2026
Deep demand, but domestic ambitions India has a strong IPO market, underpinned by resilient domestic participation from retail investors, mutual funds and pension capital.
—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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