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
LLMs underpin many generative AI services, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
—
Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 22 May 2024
The ambitious program underpins Biden’s bid to have 500,000 public chargers in the ground by 2030.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin 
Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 22 May 2024
The ambitious program underpins Biden’s bid to have 500,000 public chargers in the ground by 2030.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underpin
Cite this Entry
“Underpin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpin. Accessed 31 May. 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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