1
as in foundations
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in shores
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underpinnings
Trump has alluded to the political underpinnings of the influx.
—
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026
And yet, while the NCAA Tournament retains its traditional trappings and brackets and upsets keep the country entranced, the underpinnings of college basketball are totally different.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
The title of the park, which will likely move to a more permanent location in 2027, hints at its feminist underpinnings.
—Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
His research focuses on the neural and psychological underpinnings of visual perception and mental imagery.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Lexus, for example, shares some underpinnings with Toyota brand vehicles made in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026
And yet, while the NCAA Tournament retains its traditional trappings and brackets and upsets keep the country entranced, the underpinnings of college basketball are totally different.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
The jawy little hammerhead camper now rolls out in its sixth iteration, combining the same ultra-rugged galvanized steel underpinnings with a roomier, more comfortable camping pod.
—New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026
The title of the park, which will likely move to a more permanent location in 2027, hints at its feminist underpinnings.
—Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
All that said, heavy underpinnings and armor plating cost weight.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
His research focuses on the neural and psychological underpinnings of visual perception and mental imagery.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Lexus, for example, shares some underpinnings with Toyota brand vehicles made in Kentucky and Indiana.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
And there’s been —the foundations are there, and everybody goes to Washington.—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Snow accumulations in the valleys of 1 to 4 inches with the higher amounts likely in the western shores of Lake Tahoe.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
On this week’s episode, how the sweet fruit became an American staple because of one entrepreneur who took business off US shores, expanding the country’s economic reach and influence.—
Kyana Moghadam,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Plan a stop in bustling Cebu City to visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross Pavilion—cultural cornerstones that paved the way to the propagation of Christianity as the country’s most dominant religion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Once visited by emperors seeking clarity and samurai tending to battle wounds, these onsen remain cornerstones of Japanese culture.—
Kelsey Eisen,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Science is only one of the pillars of Mashpi.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
-
There was a point when Matos and Marco Luciano were considered future pillars of the organization, but both former top prospects have seen their time with the Giants end in recent months.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Students enrolled in public schools can also benefit from scholarships that help pay for tutoring, specialized services, learning technology, transportation or other educational supports.—
Claudia Nachtigal,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Family caregivers usually provide long-term services and supports, nearly all of which are unpaid, the research found.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Helicopters, dog squads and reinforcements from New Zealand were dispatched to help track Freeman, who reportedly possessed strong bushcraft and outdoor survival skills.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Government forces brought in reinforcements into Suqaylabiyah, calming the violence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Nov. 2025
-
The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One look at Pacas’ fresh face, complete with a smile still full of braces, and those years may not seem so far away for this 19-year-old.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Five interchangeable tips, including two standard jet heads, an orthodontic tip ideal for braces, a periodontal jet tip that's gentle on gums, and a tongue cleaner.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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