underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Synonyms
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the most popular theories centers on the number 286, with many internet users speculating that the crime had symbolic underpinnings.
—
Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
But also like Dead to Me, No Good Deed uses the dramatic underpinnings of its central situation to give juicy, emotionally varied material to a cast of actors making the most out of every predictably outrageous zig and zag.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Even more troubling to Godin is the decline of the economic underpinnings of the entire book publishing industry itself.
—Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The performer who gets closest to that is Will Koski, singing the role of Lord Archibald Craven made famous by Mandy Patinkin and offering up a performance as rich in emotional underpinning as in musical pleasures.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning 
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Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
But also like Dead to Me, No Good Deed uses the dramatic underpinnings of its central situation to give juicy, emotionally varied material to a cast of actors making the most out of every predictably outrageous zig and zag.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Even more troubling to Godin is the decline of the economic underpinnings of the entire book publishing industry itself.
—Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The performer who gets closest to that is Will Koski, singing the role of Lord Archibald Craven made famous by Mandy Patinkin and offering up a performance as rich in emotional underpinning as in musical pleasures.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning
Dictionary Entries Near underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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