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

While headlines often focus on office vacancies or uncertainty in other property types, industrial space continues to benefit from strong underlying demand. — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 If hearths had been built in the cave, underlying bones would have shown evidence of charring — but not a single bone out of the 4,500 studied was burned. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Verb

Whether broadcasters choose to merge with each other or move in with the platforms, the underlying diagnosis is the same. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 The creation-and-redemption process keeps an ETF’s market price close to the value of its underlying holdings, known as its net asset value (NAV). — Debbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

Attacks on ships — and the threat of them — virtually halted traffic in the waterway during the conflict, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and raising prices on many basic goods, including food, far beyond the region.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
If your bathroom has a basic flush mount, don’t be afraid to replace it with something more eye-catching, like a sputnik chandelier or a lantern pendant.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

The footage opens with fortress-like coastal imagery before moving into large-scale period sets, suggesting the film will have the epic scope of Hugo’s story while grounding it in a raw visual language.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 July 2026
Jo Adell stranded two runners in the fourth by grounding into an inning-ending double play, and Josh Lowe was left on second base after doubling in the fifth and eighth innings.

— Doug Miller, Oc Register, 30 June 2026

Definition of grounding

Adjective

The outpost may resemble something of a rudimentary city on the moon.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

The maker of Birkin bags and silk scarves has long relied on its leather goods business as its primary growth driver, with tight supply underpinning premium pricing power and exclusivity.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
But liberals should have confidence in meeting those fears with arguments about natural-law principles of equality and dignity underpinning our legal tradition.

— Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
As a bonus, those seasons are ideal for planting a replacement shrub or re-establishing a lawn if it is damaged during the shrub removal.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.

— Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

Last year, the Supreme Court struck its first blow against transgender rights by upholding a Tennessee law banning transgender care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for minors.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The opinions, which neither justice is expected to discuss in their testimony, included a ruling upholding the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, which Trump sought to undercut with an executive order.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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