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

Second, Gerwig's preferred version of the story seems to purposefully remove the underlying meaning of it, of Lewis' work and the religious influence behind it. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Williams acknowledged the legal complexities but said the underlying principle is straightforward. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

The Wright Flyer stayed airborne for only seconds during its first flight, but the underlying engineering principles helped make powered aviation practical. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 For instance, fatigue, brain fog and body aches can be linked to menopause, fibromyalgia or even an underlying thyroid disorder. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

There’s no such thing as a basic room here; even the smallest ones, at 240 to 260 square feet, look out over the bluffs to whitecaps winking in the sun.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
For the new fiscal year, the NSF’s budget is proposed to be cut in half, along with large budget cuts in most areas of basic science, including medical science at the National Institutes of Health.

— Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

With roaring support from a packed crowd, Macklemore launched his Free Palestine Tour in Ireland’s capital Monday, just over a month after he was controversially dropped as Ed Sheeran’s supporting act.

— Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia have filed an amicus brief supporting New Jersey’s case against Kalshi.

— Josh Appel, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Chourio ended that inning by grounding out on an 11-pitch plate appearance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Featuring a wide range of collaborators, including Travis Scott, Summer Walker, Trina, Quavo and more, the 21-track set finds the City Girls alum grounding a revelatory autobiography in the history and culture of her hometown.

— Kyle Denis, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of grounding

Adjective

But the impact of these scenes is undercut by the fact that if Matt is a two-dimensional character, at best, everyone around him is one-dimensional and rudimentary.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
My Arabic, French, and Berber language skills are also rudimentary.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

Oracle's database plays a crucial role in underpinning businesses across healthcare and finance in logging and securing data.

— Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

The first flight will be a milestone in establishing how the design performs beyond the development environment.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
There is overwhelming support among Jewish Israelis for establishing a state commission to investigate the events of October 7th, and for imposing the draft on the ultra-Orthodox.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

For instance, in 1970 the mathematician John Conway introduced the Game of Life, where an elementary set of rules governing the movement of pixels on a screen leads to remarkably rich ecosystems.

— Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
Research from a Texas Christian University professor shows elementary students who get an hour of outdoor play daily perform better in the classroom.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

Courts, however, have ruled otherwise, upholding both Sullivans’ spots on the ballot.

— Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
By contrast, the CJP considers peaceful protest, along with upholding the country’s constitution, essential elements of democracy.

— Amrita Basu, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

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Style

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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