as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the central beliefs that underpin a free society

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of underpin Star Trek is different; the resolutely sci-fi voyages of James T Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard, and their successors on the final frontier are much more likely to be underpinned by science or, at least, the franchise's version of it. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025 These elements collectively underpin a strong bullish outlook for gold, particularly as global markets navigate potential slowdowns. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 Other works create entirely new worlds with different assumptions and frameworks underpinning their social and other dynamics. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025 As in other countries, there are also prominent sectors of the European economy that tend to lag in AI adoption, such as utilities and telecommunications—ironically, sectors that themselves underpin the rollout of AI. Tasmin Lockwood, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpin
Verb
  • Closer Trevor Megill also remains out with a right flexor strain sustained the last week of August.
    Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere in Ukraine, the Giant Ukrainian Radio Telescope in Kharkiv sustained significant damage in 2022 when the region was under Russian occupation.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At around the same time, a tall, college-aged man carrying a black backpack made his way up the stairwell of the nearby Losee Center, a four-story concrete building that houses the student welcome center, among other things.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Green had 2 carries for 21 yards on the possession, and his 15-yard pass to Jalen Brown on second-and-10 was a key play early in the drive.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With this historic achievement, Tillman now extends that legacy to supporting actor in a drama.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Adolescence was a big winner on the night, also taking best limited series as well as Erin Doherty winning best supporting actress and Owen Cooper becoming the youngest-ever winner for best supporting actor in a limited series.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Such a move could bolster CSX's own acquisition prospects, Spracklin said.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The case against Cracker Barrel Biglari’s attack on Cracker Barrel began in the early 2010s when his reputation was bolstered by Steak ‘n Shake’s turnaround.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpin. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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