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
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
Credit for its scientific underpinnings however, goes to Albert Einstein.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025
But the lack of other specifics on the hardware and underpinnings suggests Benda is probably still working on it.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
There were no mathematical underpinnings to support my plays.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
What a moment ago was festive theme park fare becomes something more reflective, all while slightly nodding to the holiday’s more spiritual underpinnings.
—Todd Martens, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Cashmere pullovers, soft sweatpants, and even your favorite underpinnings—lingerie, included—are all 30% off.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025
Wang, a specialist in suspense and female-centric narratives, was drawn to the series’ philosophical underpinnings.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Optimizing sleep, exercise, diet, and social connectivity all have biological underpinnings, and these interventions are good for every age.
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underpinnings
Noun
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This is a year of building and construction to create solid foundations in your life, both physically and internally.—
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When money donated to charity through intermediaries primarily went to foundations, those assets were subject to a 5% payout rule.—
Noun
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From February to September, guests may even catch a glimpse of giant leatherback turtles that lay their eggs on the resort’s golden shores.—
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Check out Pantelleria Seemingly drifting off towards Tunisia from Sicily’s southwestern shores, Pantelleria is the largest of the minor Sicilian islands and one of its most ravishing.—
Noun
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At the time, disability law experts worried that if successful, the lawsuit could topple one of the legal cornerstones of disability rights in the United States.—
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The cornerstones of the collection are curves and arched silhouettes, seen primarily in bookcases, cabinets, and tables.—
Noun
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Contemporary accounts speak to the cruelty and exploitation that were pillars of economies of the time.—
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The geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is surrounded by white sandstone domes, towering monoliths, and otherworldly pillars and arches.—
Noun
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In countries with universal health care and stronger social supports, families may have fewer barriers to follow-up care.—
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Among the 13 categories deemed high risk for fraud are adult companion, day and rehabilitative mental health services, individualized home supports, residential treatment services and more.—
Noun
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The peregrine falcon faced near-extinction in the UK in the 1950s before it was rescued by the banning of the pesticide DDT and stronger legal reinforcements.—
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The Bucs hope that switching up the coaching staff, adding more reinforcements through free agency and most importantly, keeping the main leader in place, could bode well for 2026.—
Noun
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Better yet, those bedrocks are as plentiful as ever.—
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The bedrocks of healthy behavior are your biggest assets for staying disease-free.—
Noun
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Pam takes a seat in a blue-and-chrome chair and looks at Bella as a tiny girl on the beach and Bella in her choir robe and Bella smiling with braces on her teeth.—
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The sort of uncool even someone very uncool like me would have known enough to conceal—me who wore khakis and played oboe and had braces and yes for a phase had basically no friends.—
Cite this Entry
“Underpinnings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underpinnings. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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