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

The underlying problem, defense experts say, is that the United States designed its missile defense programs for a world in which only a few major powers like China and Russia posed serious threats. — Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Knowing when employers tend to post jobs won’t ultimately change the underlying labor market. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Verb

In rare cases, the derm says, some people may have underlying skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, or even an allergy to the ingredients in certain lip products, which could exacerbate dryness and redness. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2026 And the frankness underlying their oddly dorky connection also paints any potential relationship between them as tragic from the jump. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

The group said that the mine — an informal site that employs unregulated workers — lacked basic safety and protective measures.

— Yasir Abdallah, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
The onsite role should be limited to basic physical tasks while the technical work is handled remotely.

— Susan Odle, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

Star Matthew Rhys won best actor, Stephen Root won best supporting actor and Kate O'Flynn won best supporting actress.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
There is a concern that formally accepting their preferred description of ‘public figures’ could potentially be seized upon by Harry as supporting his argument over security.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Greenery becomes an artful layer, softening the building and giving it a sense of (literal) grounding that tech-adulating blobitecture often lacks.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Its Oceanic Balance Retreat is an all-encompassing yoga experience tailored to its surroundings, whether energizing at dawn or grounding at sunset.

— Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of grounding

Adjective

People in New York City looked up in shock and dismay; people everywhere else watched their favorite anchors on old-fashioned television sets and looked for updates on very rudimentary versions of news websites.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Within these confines the main characters register as aliens; Wendy and Jack aren’t just flustered but people who seem to have never been inculcated with a rudimentary sense of social propriety.

— Vadim Rizov, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

And the looming reality underpinning all of it is that, at some point between now and 2030, some (not all) of the current main characters, the faces of the program, could begin to fade.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Interventions can include removing trees and vegetation or constructing barriers to isolate their roots from the house’s foundations and, at the more extreme and expensive end, underpinning the house by pumping concrete beneath the foundations.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Adjective

The teachers need to be certified in elementary education, fluent in Spanish and certified to teach students who speak other languages, Jackson said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Those numbers are slightly higher than the year before at the middle and elementary levels, but lower at the high school level.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

And neither were the co-hosts, who felt their fun, feel-good, not-that-serious event was suddenly being accused of upholding white supremacy.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Organizers describe the demonstrations as nonviolent and focused on upholding democratic principles.

— Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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