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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of underlying
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025
Critics also say an underlying implication exists that employees will be punished or disadvantaged for using their time off, meaning the PTO is not unlimited in any real sense.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The court did not fully detail its legal reasoning on the underlying case, as is common on its emergency docket.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025
Critics also say an underlying implication exists that employees will be punished or disadvantaged for using their time off, meaning the PTO is not unlimited in any real sense.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Verb
Unfortunately, many people miss out on this valuable option and instead turn to sleep medications, which often fail to address the underlying issues.
—Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Then, just provide basic personal information to secure your new account with bet365.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
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The basic problem is that no two plants have exactly the same water requirements.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Verb
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The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Taurus Season begins on April 19th, bringing a soft, grounding energy to your communication sector.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
13 Apr. 2025
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Collectively, the trio brings depth and heart to G20, grounding its explosive stakes in something universally human—family.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike the predictable drawers that pull out, this style slides out to the side, so pulling out paper clips feels more like an event than a rudimentary task.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
30 June 2025
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Chávez even lost in 2021 to Anderson Silva, the former UFC champion and rudimentary boxer who lost a one-sided ring decision to Paul one year later.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Verb
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To achieve military domination, you'll be tasked with forcefully establishing your Ideology and your empire around the globe.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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To increase your chances of getting into REM on time, experts recommended establishing a healthy overall sleep routine.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Health,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In Uvalde, 19 elementary students and two teachers were killed.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
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There are elementary and middle school programs, too.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Labor market stamina, marked by low layoffs and strong wage growth are underpinning consumer spending.—
Lucia Mutikani,
USA TODAY,
21 Dec. 2024
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The maker of graphics processing units underpinning large language models has benefited, as data center demand has swollen since ChatGPT’s late-2022 launch.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Finer details on the type of robots being used or their functions have not yet been revealed, but clearly the production of rebar (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, which makes sense since Neom is currently using around 20% of the world's steel supply.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Dec. 2024
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Share how feedback has shaped your leadership journey, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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