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Definitions

underpin

[uhn-der-pin] / ˌʌn dərˈpɪn /
VERB
base
Synonyms
STRONG
build construct depend derive establish found ground hinge locate plant predicate prop rest root station stay
WEAK
set up
Antonyms
STRONG
demolish destroy disestablish dismantle leave move raze ruin unsettle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These low-risk investments underpin the global financial system and provide a haven for capital in a wild world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

These concerns underpin the Scottish government's long-standing opposition to retaining BST during winter.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Arm’s ambitious revenue targets, partly driven by its newfangled chip business, also underpin the stock upgrade.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "these reforms underpin our ambition to create an economy that works for everyone, closing the skills gap and supporting more young people into meaningful employment".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

The AIG FP traders present were shocked by how little thought or analysis seemed to underpin the subprime mortgage machine: It was simply a bet that home prices would never fall.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.