underpin
verb
un·der·pin
ˌən-dər-ˈpin 
underpinned; underpinning; underpins
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
Synonyms
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
In the late nineteen-nineties, the major paradigm shift that underpinned the dot-com boom was the rise of online commerce, which led to the creation of startups that issued stock on the Nasdaq, such as Amazon, eBay, Pets.com, and Webvan.
—
John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
At the same time, higher-income consumers continue to spend briskly amid solid wage growth, underpinning an economy that most forecasters say should avoid a recession.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
The resulting decline in fee revenue could compromise Ethereum’s ability to maintain the robust security infrastructure that underpins the promise of decentralization.
—Jemma Green, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Related Story Sustainability underpins Diesel’s collection, particularity its use of responsible fibers.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
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John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
At the same time, higher-income consumers continue to spend briskly amid solid wage growth, underpinning an economy that most forecasters say should avoid a recession.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
The resulting decline in fee revenue could compromise Ethereum’s ability to maintain the robust security infrastructure that underpins the promise of decentralization.
—Jemma Green, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Related Story Sustainability underpins Diesel’s collection, particularity its use of responsible fibers.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpin
verb
un·der·pin
-ˈpin
1
: to give support to
underpin an argument with evidence
2
: to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of
underpin a structure
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