1
as in underworld
a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry

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2
3
as in back
a vulnerable point the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense

Synonyms & Similar 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 underbelly Their soft underbellies are sliced open, where roe can then be cut out by the handful. Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025 Last fall, Boom applied patches of the material during testing of its experimental XB-1 to its underbelly. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 May 2025 The underbellies of Android 15 and One UI 7 have a completely new framework, which allows Samsung to incorporate a lot of efficiencies systemwide. PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025 Stories that explore the underbelly of this incredibly complex city. Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
  • How Dutch footballers get dragged into drug wars The conviction of ex-Premier League defender Ronnie Stam for drug smuggling last week — expertly covered by Danny Taylor — wasn’t the first time a Dutch footballer has run into trouble with the criminal underworld.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Her determined search leads her into a decades-old mystery rooted in the Detroit underworld.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Bulky footwear can impede mobility when your heel is on the bottom of the kayak, and can force a tight fit when placing your feet on the underside of the deck.
    Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Diamondback Moth: Small brown caterpillars just 0.5 inches prior to pupation in loosely woven cocoons on the underside of brassica leaves.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The iPhone has pretty much looked the same since 2017 — a rectangular piece of glass with a touchscreen on the front, and a few cameras on the back.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The energy commission’s report on power costs was even thinner gruel, mostly patting itself on the back for adopting standards for appliances and other power-using devices that reduced their demands.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • New scams pop up all of the time–be sure to read to the bottom of the newsletter for information about a new one making the rounds.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The Kansas State Wildcats will enter Week 1 at the bottom of the Big 12 standings following a Week 0 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in Dublin.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Travis Kennedy has always had a soft spot for ‘80s glam rock and metal bands.
    Kelli Skye Fadroski, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid peppers that are shriveled, bruised, or have soft spots.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Zachary Naegele, 24, was competing at the Conley Invitational in Palmetto, Florida, last week when the bull’s horn punctured his jugular, causing blood to stream out in a heart-pounding, caught-on-camera moment.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Gone are the days of Ami Cusack cutting down men without hesitation or Natalie Bolton flossing her teeth with Jason Siska’s jugular.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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