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
But this latest White House proposal raises questions about how space agency leadership intends to execute on its vision of sending humans to explore the cosmos while also gutting the research efforts that underpin the United States’ leadership in scientific endeavors.
—
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
The Peaq is the latest use of VW Group’s MEB modular electric platform, which has underpinned dozens of models across VW, Škoda, Audi, Cupra, and Ford brands since 2019.
—New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2026
The attorney general is obsessed with the idea that laws underpinning equal treatment for groups that have been historically discriminated against amount to discrimination against white men, and are therefore unconstitutional.
—Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpin
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Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
The Peaq is the latest use of VW Group’s MEB modular electric platform, which has underpinned dozens of models across VW, Škoda, Audi, Cupra, and Ford brands since 2019.
—New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2026
The attorney general is obsessed with the idea that laws underpinning equal treatment for groups that have been historically discriminated against amount to discrimination against white men, and are therefore unconstitutional.
—Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.
—CBS News, 3 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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