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
The turmoil in Hollywood across so many fronts — from the business underpinnings of TV and film to the political backlash to coastal sensibilities that led to Trump’s return to the White House last year — has taken a huge toll on the earnings of every major media conglomerate.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
The forthcoming podcast will explore the moral, social, and philosophical underpinnings of human decency—with a particular focus on the role that institutions play in shaping communities and ideologies.
—The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Toyota refined the battery-electric underpinnings through several years of prototype R&D and will launch the BEV in Europe this spring as the first-available new Hilux variant.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
—Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
George Borjas has provided the intellectual underpinnings of the White House’s sweeping immigration policy changes, including restrictions on H-1B visas.
—Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
The forthcoming podcast will explore the moral, social, and philosophical underpinnings of human decency—with a particular focus on the role that institutions play in shaping communities and ideologies.
—The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Toyota refined the battery-electric underpinnings through several years of prototype R&D and will launch the BEV in Europe this spring as the first-available new Hilux variant.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Its legal underpinnings are the National Emergencies Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
—Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
George Borjas has provided the intellectual underpinnings of the White House’s sweeping immigration policy changes, including restrictions on H-1B visas.
—Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
-
These were foundations of the Twin Cities’ empowering and vibrant civic culture.—
Harry Boyte,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations.—
Jocelyn Gecker,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Now, a hint that Tame Impala will support Deadbeat with a tour of Australia, the band’s first in these shores since 2022.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The four-season property is well equipped with winter-weather amenities like a spa and fireplaces and, in warmer months, affords immediate access to the shores of Cayuga Lake.—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In Minnesota, all of the ideological cornerstones of MAGA have been proved false at once.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Beyond them, the concrete of the 21st century falls away, replaced by creamy pillars and marble paving stretching into the distance, with green hills beyond.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Reducing bureaucracy and streamlining industry fees are key pillars of achieving sustenance and making Nigerian producers competitive.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When people with disabilities live in the community with appropriate supports, the state avoids far more expensive emergency care, institutional placements, and hospital stays.—
Fay Lenz,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of requiring people to start in shelter before accessing permanent housing, Street to Home connects chronically unsheltered New Yorkers directly to permanent housing with supports and tackles the paperwork after.—
Jeffrey Ginsburg,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Jones, who's been starting in Gordon's spot, will already be part of the call for reinforcements.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Although reinforcements were on the way, the Kings limped into the Olympic break and were on the wrong side of the playoff bubble as the pause commenced.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 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
-
The results point to a future where things like knee braces, exoskeletons, or even joint replacements could be tailored to an individual’s exact joint motion.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
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But what did people do before braces were invented?—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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