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
More intriguing, though, is the strategy underpinning Tulah’s rollout, which upends the blueprint deployed by most operators in this sector.
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Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
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Given that the endangerment finding underpins all of the EPA’s noteworthy climate rules, this move is a big deal with significant consequences for efforts to tackle emissions as well as regulate companies.
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The endangerment finding is widely considered the legal foundation that underpins a series of regulations intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Known for era-defining portraits of figures from John Lennon to Barack Obama, Fairey reveals how photography underpins his graphic language across screen print, collage and new commissions created for the show.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Given that the endangerment finding underpins all of the EPA’s noteworthy climate rules, this move is a big deal with significant consequences for efforts to tackle emissions as well as regulate companies.
—Justin Worland, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
The endangerment finding is widely considered the legal foundation that underpins a series of regulations intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 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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