underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
underpinned; underpinning; underpins

transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a really solid understanding of mecha design underpinning the art direction, too, and that’s a rare thing to see these days. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Their violent clash of characters in the Marvel series, which has been a solid performer on Disney+, underpinned the original Netflix action series. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 The claim, while bold, highlights Microsoft’s ambition to compete in the high-performance computing race that underpins AI development. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025 But there’s a social contract underpinning that danger that says that burners look out for one another. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpin

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpin was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpin

verb
un·​der·​pin -ˈpin How to pronounce underpin (audio)
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on underpin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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