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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of underlying
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
The region remains at heightened risk with none of the underlying tensions resolved.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
The underlying metrics are just as rosy.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The legislation mandates that childcare centers provide parents with information about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — a common respiratory infection that can be especially dangerous for children with underlying conditions like sickle cell disease.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
The region remains at heightened risk with none of the underlying tensions resolved.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Although his metaphor is original, the underlying case is not.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
The underlying metrics are just as rosy.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
-
However, instead of pairing the beachy look with thong sandals or basic white sneakers, Holmes opted for a pair of brown suede Franco Sarto Mary-Jane flats and black accessories for a touch of New York sensibility.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
12 Apr. 2026
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Slowing down, verifying requests and adding basic protections like alerts and two-factor authentication can make a real difference.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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All of the proceeds raised from the event went to supporting Altman's family.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
By his third hosting gig in 2014, he was joined onstage during his monologue by Leonardo DiCaprio, his co-star in the searing satire The Wolf of Wall Street, a Martin Scorsese picture that netted Hill his second Oscar nomination for best supporting actor after Moneyball just three years earlier.—
Josh Spiegel,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Xander Bogaerts lined out to left field, but Fermin saved the effort by grounding a double down the left field line to score Andujar.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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The scent—redolent of cedarwood, sandalwood, pomegranate, and frankincense—sets a calm, grounding tone for any visit.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Workers often enter deep shafts using rudimentary equipment, while enforcement of rules is carried out through violence.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Iran also spied on Iraqi positions with rudimentary precursors to drones, an early use of one of the regime’s most effective weapons in its attempt to blockade the strait.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After years of attempts to get a measure off the ground, Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill establishing a statewide office to promote and support the music industry.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
10 Apr. 2026
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will start direct negotiations with Lebanon on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries.—
Jennifer Hansler,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Proceeds support horticulture scholarships at MiraCosta College and fund garden programs in local elementary and middle schools.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
This year, six staffers each covered multiple schools across elementary, middle and high school levels to provide therapy and referrals to Johnson County Mental Health.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The attorney general is obsessed with the idea that laws underpinning equal treatment for groups that have been historically discriminated against amount to discrimination against white men, and are therefore unconstitutional.—
Howard L. Simon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
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China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In addition to reinforcing the fiduciary standards that are already in place for community associations, this will help to establish stronger grounds for claims involving unilateral acts by directors, inadequate reserve planning, inconsistent rules enforcement, or failures in management oversight.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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In 2025, the region attracted $92 billion in venture capital and generated more than 23,000 patents, reinforcing its central role in emerging technologies, according to the Index.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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