underpin

verb

un·​der·​pin ˌən-dər-ˈpin 

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

Synonyms of underpin

• sustain
• carry
• support
• bolster

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

The key 10-year Treasury yield, which underpins the cost of financing debt and taking out mortgage rates and can influence economic activity, just hit its highest level since 2002. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

These requirements differ fundamentally from those underpinning most existing data strategies, and the gap is widening faster than leaders realize. — Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

And among recent film offerings are movie shot locally as the Garden State enjoys a Hollywood production boom underpinned by film tax credits and other state incentives and local hires. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026

Its relationship with Argentina, for instance—which had helped underpin four decades of regional stability—has deteriorated to the point that neither country has an ambassador in the other’s capital. — Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpin

• aneurin
• crystallin
• eosin
• mandolin
• porphyrin
• superfine
• vietminh
• violin
• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin

Kids 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