" underpinning "

1: an immaterial thing upon which something else rests;

  * e.g., " ... the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question "

•  Synonyms : 

•  base,

•  basis,

•  bedrock,

•  bottom,

•  cornerstone,

•  footing,

•  foundation,

•  ground,

•  groundwork,

•  keystone,

•  root,

•  warp,

•  warp and woof

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)

2: a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else;

  * e.g., " ... the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision "

•  Synonyms : 

•  brace,

•  buttress,

•  mount,

•  mounting,

•  prop,

•  reinforcement,

•  shore,

•  spur,

•  stay,

•  support

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)

1: to hold up or serve as a foundation for;

  * e.g., " ... the central beliefs that underpin a free society "

•  Synonyms : 

•  bearing,

•  bolstering,

•  bracing,

•  buttressing,

•  carrying,

•  propping (up),

•  shoring (up),

•  staying,

•  supporting,

•  sustaining,

•  undergirding,

•  upholding

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)

1: to hold up or serve as a foundation for;

  * e.g., " ... the central beliefs that underpin a free society "

•  Synonyms : 

•  bear,

•  bolster,

•  brace,

•  buttress,

•  carry,

•  prop (up),

•  shore (up),

•  stay,

•  support,

•  sustain,

•  undergird,

•  uphold

•  Antonyms : 

• (N/A)