underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
Definition of underlyingnext
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
1
as in supporting
to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words
2
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
The Endocrine Society estimates that hypogonadism affects roughly 2% of men overall, although rates vary by age and underlying health. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 But the underlying reality points to a massive, collective hunger for validation. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Verb
Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 The underlying issue is architectural hurdles, not the speed of the content-generating AI technology. — Jamie Garverick, Fortune, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
  1. basic
  2. supporting
  3. grounding
  4. rudimentary
  5. underpinning
  6. establishing
  7. elementary
  8. upholding
Adjective
  • Natalie Boren, an executive VP at recruiter Career Group Companies, responsible for fashion staffing, is surprised how many interviewees cannot muster basic information about a fashion house’s most recent work — or even the creative director’s name.
    — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026
  • The Ring confirmed the basic-cable carry when the fight was made official.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of basic
Verb
  • Part of every ticket sale will go to Solace Women’s Aid, a British charity supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • For an ambitious piece at a considerable price, there might even be a handful of people supporting the acquisition, each pitching in a percentage of the cost.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of supporting
Verb
  • Throughout his rise in the music industry, Jelly often credited Bunnie for supporting him financially and grounding him through years of struggle.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
  • Five neutral color variations all come in a linen blend, but olive’s grounding tones are speaking most to us.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Definition of grounding
Adjective
  • This association with high status, as well as a rudimentary analysis of the size of the bones, led archaeologists to conclude that the burial belonged to a man.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The animation is often rudimentary, particularly in outer-space scenes that are effectively a cut-out of a starship being dragged across a stellar background.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Verb
  • The science underpinning circadian rhythms is well-established, but until recently, measuring them outside a lab was nearly impossible.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • One consequence of the equations underpinning that theory was the possibility of a singularity, a point at which the equations of general relativity go to infinity.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of underpinning
Verb
  • Beyond establishing a correlation between aid and degree completion, our analyses suggest that even modest financial aid has a significant lifting effect.
    — Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
  • Cameron doesn't waste a second of that time, however, establishing characters (see above), introducing Newt, showing off the geography of the Hadley's Hope terraforming base, and building a creeping sense of dread.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of establishing
Adjective
  • Iranian media reported that body fragments of 32 victims of a bombing on an Iranian elementary girls' school nearly five months ago, identified after DNA tests, were laid to rest Wednesday.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026
  • Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Verb
  • The court also reversed the lower court’s decision upholding the state’s 10-round magazine limit, concluding that those restrictions likewise violate the Constitution.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
  • Alford also commented on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the long-standing interpretation that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining
underlying
undermine
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Cite this Entry

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of underlying for Spanish Speakers

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