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
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Open or faulty dampers are a common access point for air entering the chimney, pressure imbalances are often the underlying cause of downdrafts.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
Like with most commercial buildings, the underlying building shell can last much longer that 20 years.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
My husband has tried to talk to him gently about speaking with his doctor specifically about his hair and its connection to his diet and potentially an underlying health problem.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Open or faulty dampers are a common access point for air entering the chimney, pressure imbalances are often the underlying cause of downdrafts.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
Portfolio management fees are often charged as a percentage of assets, so when markets rise the dollar value of those fees increases even though the underlying rate for those services does not.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
Like with most commercial buildings, the underlying building shell can last much longer that 20 years.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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When first delivered, Valkyrie could walk on flat surfaces and perform basic actions, such as grasping and manipulating objects.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No, the actor, now 27 and recognized in the best supporting actress category for her sensitive turn in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, has actually—wait for it—already been working for a quarter of a century.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
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From cushioned walking sneakers to sleek slip-ons and foldable flats, the brand boasts arch-supporting insoles enhanced with anti-odor technology to keep feet feeling fresh and comfortable all day long.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Panama’s Jonathan Araúz exchanged shouts and pushes with manager José Mayorga when the pinch hitter returned to the dugout after grounding out leading off the ninth.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Panama's Jonathan Araúz exchanged shouts and pushes with manager José Mayorga when the pinch hitter returned to the dugout after grounding out leading off the ninth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There’s infectious joy and wonder as the Eridian who will come to be known as Rocky begins communicating with Ryland, at first with rudimentary signals and then with more complex language once Ryland rigs a translation device.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
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The result is a kind of rudimentary, cyborg turtle hot rod.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nile monitor lizards, a powerful invasive predator that can grow up to 7 feet long, are establishing breeding populations across multiple South Florida counties, and wildlife officials say the window to control them is closing fast.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
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Anderson said that would be the legacy of Perez’s last two years – and said establishing the autonomy of the Legislature is something Floridians will reap the rewards from.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The event also includes an art show by Julian elementary schoolchildren and crafts made by club members.—
Martina Schimitschek,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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That plan would also require redrawing elementary and junior high boundaries.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The war in the Middle East threatens to upend the economic assumptions underpinning South Africa’s budget, the finance minister has warned, reflecting unease over the way a growing number of external shocks undermine plans to reinvigorate Africa’s largest economy.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
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The analyst said the downsizing should increase its earnings power, underpinning a more constructive stance on the name.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This year, the brand also announced tennis player Flavio Cobolli as its new brand ambassador for 2026 and 2027 — strengthening its connection to the world of professional tennis and reinforcing its commitment to a new generation of athletes who embody performance, authenticity and style.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
12 Mar. 2026
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That's why its so important to keep reinforcing daily routines even when your kids seem used to them.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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