1
as in underworld
a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream
unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in underside
the side or part facing downward from something
the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in back
a vulnerable point
the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underbelly
The original film tells a captivating and fragmented story of Mexico City’s underbelly, exploring the harsh realities of the underworld through three interlocking narratives of hope, betrayal, and revenge.
—
Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Salazar-Thompson’s ingenious new version of Hammett’s noir masterpiece features five versatile performers transforming between roles to bring 1920s San Francisco’s underbelly to hilarious life.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Such a disintegration seems implausible for this iteration of Spurs under Ho, a project that seems to have finally evolved from its mushy underbelly into a clear and steadfast vision.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
At the center of it was Catherine, vividly sending up an entire genre of the show-business underbelly that no one ever referenced on polite middle-American network television.
—Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Salazar-Thompson’s ingenious new version of Hammett’s noir masterpiece features five versatile performers transforming between roles to bring 1920s San Francisco’s underbelly to hilarious life.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Such a disintegration seems implausible for this iteration of Spurs under Ho, a project that seems to have finally evolved from its mushy underbelly into a clear and steadfast vision.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
At the center of it was Catherine, vividly sending up an entire genre of the show-business underbelly that no one ever referenced on polite middle-American network television.
—Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
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When his daughter Rainy is abducted, humble tradesman Wang Wei is thrust into a deadly underworld of corruption and violence.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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Soon after, the weapon used is traced back to Sverre Olsen (Arthur Hakalahti), a young arms dealer operating in a downtown warehouse populated by the city’s underworld and, according to the 70 percent assurance of face recognition expert Beate (Ellen Helinder), a familiar presence within the force.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the center is a large, red stop button, and beneath it on the underside of the crossbar is a magnetic safety key that can be clipped to your clothing.—
Craig Rawlins-Wilson,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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Amid all the admiring, even nostalgic, books and films commemorating America’s revolutionary beginnings in the lead-up to our country’s 250th birthday, Ellis’ book examines the underside of that time, specifically the failure to end slavery, and the failure to avoid Indian removal.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Then Evans made another 3, prompting Pitino to turn his back in apparent disbelief.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Way back in 2018, Gaines and Riley were running split-back formations and leaving opposing defenses bamboozled while playing for the 12-and-under Moreno Valley Falcons in the heart of Southern California.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The duel didn’t disappoint, as Langford and the Eagles broke a 2-2 deadlock, punching across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to emerge with a 4-2 triumph over the Falcons.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
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And at the bottom of it was Tessie.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Choose strawberries that are brightly colored, without mold or soft spots.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Kellner pokes a ball into the soft spot in left-center, scoring two runs.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Wolf packs on the hunt encircled their prey—typically elk—clamping at the jugular when their target grew weary from the chase.—
Nidhi Sharma,
Popular Science,
12 Mar. 2026
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The change added a room where prisoners are to be examined and prepped for either a standard peripheral IV, or a central line — a more invasive procedure that inserts into the internal jugular in the neck, a femoral vein in the upper thigh or a subclavian vein in the chest.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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