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.
The brick-and-mortar roll-out was bolstered by a global e-commerce launch in 2021 that includes selling on sites like Asos; it is underpinned by an aggressive, on-point digital strategy on western apps. Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 That’s the philosophy that underpins Pat Greene’s work as founder of the Corridor Project and as a local placemaker who’s spent the last 25 years curating art galleries and exhibitions. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025 Teh explained that Seagate is working to address climate concerns surrounding AI’s energy demands by increasing storage density on its hard drives and ensuring its manufacturing is underpinned by renewable energy. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 7 May 2025 This philosophy underpins everything about Alserkal Avenue, from how spaces are allocated to support for fledgling businesses. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 17 May. 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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