underbellies

plural of underbelly
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
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbellies
Noun
  • 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.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The black coating is formed when the fungus lives on the excreta from scale insects usually on the stems and undersides of the leaves.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Regularly check the undersides of leaves and around the base of plants for signs of pests or diseases.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One of these is Trent Alexander-Arnold but, as The Athletic has reported, a position change to midfield was not discussed in depth during the process of his transfer from Liverpool as Madrid saw him as one of the best right-backs in the world.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • While many around the world may only recall the images of houses underwater and families carrying each other on their backs and in their arms seeking shelter, survivors like New Orleans artist and performer at the 20th Annual Commemoration event, Allay Earhart, still relive that day vividly.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • My top picks of the versatile bottoms can be worn from the airplane to running errands to hot yoga, and the best part?
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Everlane The Easy Pant Shoppers have compared the feel of these trousers to pajamas — the bottoms are that comfortable.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Buy fresh-looking pumpkins without blemishes, soft spots, or rotting stems.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Remove fruits with soft spots or insect damage.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But after the break, the Americans started to find some chinks in the English armour.
    Peter Carline, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underbellies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbellies. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!