as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underling
Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.
—
Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
Unsurprisingly, Ghani and his technocratic underlings in the Afghan government were in lockstep with their American counterparts, pretending that everything was fine in the weeks (and years) leading up to the demise of the U.S.-backed regime.
—Dan Fisher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?
—Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
Recast versions of his Romulan underlings also appear on the bridge of his Bird of Prey.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
Unsurprisingly, Ghani and his technocratic underlings in the Afghan government were in lockstep with their American counterparts, pretending that everything was fine in the weeks (and years) leading up to the demise of the U.S.-backed regime.
—Dan Fisher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?
—Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
Recast versions of his Romulan underlings also appear on the bridge of his Bird of Prey.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling
Noun
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The Charges The obstruction charge centers on allegations that Comey directed subordinates to remove or conceal those memos from FBI systems after his dismissal in May 2017, actions prosecutors claim impeded a lawful investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified material.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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After his chief of staff Thomas Cook was forced to resign for having a relationship with a subordinate, that subordinate received a promotion and often sat at the table opposite Cook negotiating key economic development deals between the city and private clients Cook represented.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Besides being mugged by one of Iza’s henchmen, a brick was thrown through his window and his car was vandalized.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
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Clarke played villain henchmen Mac in the film partly set and filmed in Sydney, Australia.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Others wore inflatable costumes, dressed as bumble bees, frogs, unicorns and a even minion.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
18 Oct. 2025
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Cederquist is one of scores of bad cops included in the book, as is one of his minions in the Stoughton crew, a guy named Calvin Butner.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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