UNDERLYING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ

Definition of underlying

as in basic

of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie

as in supporting

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

as in grounding

to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea) The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of underlying

Adjective

There’s limited evidence that today’s wearable massagers treat the underlying cause of persistent neck pain. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 But underlying causes like geopolitical issues won’t be solved overnight. — Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Baseball serves as a test platform for these underlying capabilities, with dexterous manipulation, the ability to handle objects skillfully and reliably, remaining the larger objective. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Dermatologists point to minoxidil, red light therapy and treating underlying inflammation. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

As is now the norm, basic cybersecurity would have prevented it.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
The Cowboys surrendered 419 total yards, blew basic run fits, and failed to force a single takeaway.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

So regenerative has to regenerate livelihoods and communities too, including decent work and supporting the women who do much of the labor in cotton in many contexts.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
While Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia is planning to escalate with drone or rocket strikes on European allies supporting Ukraine, other countries have called for calm.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

But really, traveling around with my best friends was such an incredibly bonding, grounding experience.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Stoliker also points out that there’s evidence that giving someone a task mid-trip pulls them out of the state—a phenomenon researchers sometimes call grounding.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of grounding

Adjective

For a while, Crystal Lake hews closely to the very rudimentary mythology introduced in Sean Cunningham’s original movie.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
The concern is that a small, rudimentary drone like this one could be weaponized with explosives and do serious damage to a large concert, sporting event, or campaign rally.

— Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

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
Hammer presents these economic theories as stone-cold truths without acknowledging the rather obvious ideological agenda underpinning his thinking.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Adjective

The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

In April, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion upholding an arbitrator’s findings that the union may follow the card-signing process as a path to represent the workers.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Rubio visited Portugal a day after delivering a speech in the Greek capital, Athens, urging European countries to save Western civilization by upholding the values and traditions of ancient Greece.

— Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

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“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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