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
And an operating model capable of evolving as the underlying technology changes. — Hugo Sarrazin, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026 Much of the underlying tide of Tuesday’s elections stemmed from Americans’ growing frustration with the massive wealth and power being accrued by billionaires, of which Musk is the most notable example. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
When software is granted the authority to execute decisions autonomously, the underlying infrastructure can no longer rely on guesswork. — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Papps said the bigger concern is relying on seeds to mask symptoms of an underlying condition instead of seeking care. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 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
  • The organization also offers free monthly home maintenance workshops to help homeowners tackle basic preventative repairs and vet contractors.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • However, for network connection, the TV must transmit its public IP address to connect to the internet and run basic features (like the Smart Hub and software updates).
    — John Higgins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of basic
Verb
  • There’s also evidence supporting some non-drug treatments for hot flashes, night sweats and sleep or mood problems, ACOG said.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Stanley said drivers and bus monitors play an especially important role in supporting students with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
    — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of supporting
Verb
  • Rather than adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit, both Jenner and Bieber made the case for doing the inverse, grounding a sugary look with something dark and decidedly cool.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026
  • From the Winnipeg Jets’ full aurora borealis scene on the hem to the Boston Bruins having a brown jersey for the first time in more than 100 years, the league made sure to be grounding each look into something recognizable by each rabid fan base.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of grounding
Adjective
  • Genetic material that can store and replicate information may have been necessary to transmit improvements to rudimentary metabolic reactions across generations.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Connie’s cakes, one carrot and one chocolate, took way too long to bake, and so her decoration turns out to be a little rudimentary.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Verb
  • Greater oversight and potential regulatory hurdles could complicate the infrastructure buildout underpinning the AI boom.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Much of the concern centers on the Democrats’ increasingly hostile attitude toward data centers—the enormous, electricity-hungry facilities underpinning AI development.
    — David Averre, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of underpinning
Verb
  • While researchers at Stanford University have examined aspects of the work and provided feedback, wider scrutiny will be important in establishing whether the proof resolves the original conjecture.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The assurance profession has spent decades establishing standards for competency, independence and quality oversight across financial reporting, cybersecurity and privacy.
    — Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of establishing
Adjective
  • Sacramento City Unified leaders are pressing the city for notifications when ICE operates near schools after a parent was detained blocks from an elementary campus.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The charter school plans to build athletic fields on the site for its growing elementary campus.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of elementary
Verb
  • Despite voters upholding the practice, California has not executed anyone since 2006.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Martin supported the head tax and was the deciding vote recently upholding the mayor’s veto of an ordinance that would have required 30 of 50 aldermen to support future bond authorizations.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining
underlying
undermine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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