1
as in underworlds
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in undersides
the side or part facing downward from something
the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in backs
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
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Recent Examples of underbellies
The most caustic people in the world often have the softest underbellies — at least if Alden Ehrenreich is playing them.
—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Cashmere is expensive because these goats produce a limited amount of this precious fiber, found on their underbellies, and the process of obtaining the wool is labor-intensive.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Humpbacks congregate here, creating pufflike splashes on the horizon and flashing their fins and underbellies at all distances.
—
Darrell Hartman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Aug. 2021
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Cashmere is expensive because these goats produce a limited amount of this precious fiber, found on their underbellies, and the process of obtaining the wool is labor-intensive.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Humpbacks congregate here, creating pufflike splashes on the horizon and flashing their fins and underbellies at all distances.
—
Darrell Hartman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbellies
Noun
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When the gang comes to the attention of Major Chester Campbell, a DCI in the Royal Irish Constabulary, the wheels are set in motion for adventures through the dangerous underworlds of early 20th-century Britain.
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For Aronofsky, the city’s ethnic blend has no special claim on virtue; there seem to be as many criminal underworlds as there are demographic groups.
Noun
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The most effective way to monitor pests in a vegetable garden remains regular checks of the undersides of leaves.
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Start spraying at the bottom of the plant's stalk, focusing on the undersides of the leaves where pests often hide.
Noun
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The rounded backs and breezy linen upholstery make this dining chair duo a great option for your coastal oasis.
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Fortunately for us, the Southern Living Test Kitchen Team has our backs.
Noun
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Straight Sweatpants are the perfect bottoms since they’re lined with fleece to keep me warm and relaxed.
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The bottoms boast a subtle yet stylish wide-leg silhouette that’ll look great with everything from sneakers to heeled sandals this season and beyond.
Noun
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Bruised or soft spots can be a sign of rot and can speed up the spoilage of the entire melon.
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That said, Keathley advises keeping an eye out for any fruit that has mold, soft spots, or a sour smell.
Noun
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Once Woll’s bratty vamp was through draining jugulars, the actress found a second signature role as Karen Page on Marvel’s Daredevil (2015–2018).
Noun
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The result is a fiery and impassioned offering that finds the veteran fully engaged and intent on proving no chinks have been left in his armor despite his tenuous back-and-forth with his Compton counterpart.
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Does the bazaar allow for chinks in the kind of class barriers that would usually exist?
Cite this Entry
“Underbellies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbellies. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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