1
as in underworld
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
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2
as in underside
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 back
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 underbelly
Opponents will continue to attack the soft underbelly of this defense until Tonga and Williams return.
—
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
An underbelly of bright white light a ghost in the shadows.
—Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 2025
But there is a soft underbelly of the AI boom, a deep sense of unease about the employment effects of the technology and a lack of understanding of the benefits to the average consumer.
—Richard Edelman, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025
There’s a soft underbelly that keeps getting exposed away from the home comforts of Anfield.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
An underbelly of bright white light a ghost in the shadows.
—Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 2025
But there is a soft underbelly of the AI boom, a deep sense of unease about the employment effects of the technology and a lack of understanding of the benefits to the average consumer.
—Richard Edelman, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025
There’s a soft underbelly that keeps getting exposed away from the home comforts of Anfield.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
-
After years of staying ahead of the law and navigating the complex alliances of the city’s underworld, Polly had closed shop and decided to try her hand at writing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, a deviant killer operating in the yakuza underworld seems to be shadowing their moves.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Once the sticker is warmed up and more pliable, use a plastic paint scraper or credit card to lift the underside and slowly peel it away.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Attach a light to the underside of your jar’s lid.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Magic played without Tristan da Silva (back spams) and Jalen Suggs, who missed a fourth straight game with a right knee contusion.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Backup running backs, including Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr, provided too little help for quarterback Dante Moore.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Older leaves on the bottom of the orchid can yellow, soften, and die as part of the normal life cycle, Kondrat explains.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Brouk & Co Pearl Travel Jewelry Case Admittedly, my jewelry is often treated as an afterthought during travel, floating at the bottom of my toiletry bag or in a random duffel pocket.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady, now, is poised to once again exploit the Broncos’ soft spots.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There's no love lost for Kiffin with Rebels fans, or even their players, but Kiffin appears to still have a soft spot for the football program.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The actress manages to pull this off with subtlety and grace in a movie that could have easily gone straight for the emotional jugular.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Two months before Twilight kicked off the glittery vampire craze, Alan Ball’s True Blood had already put an original, sexy spin on the jugular-draining genre.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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