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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underbelly
The material is applied in small sections across the underbelly, and each section can be removed for maintenance and repairs.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
The Kremlin correctly views the western Balkans as the soft underbelly of the continent, with Bosnia and Herzegovina as the central battleground for destabilizing European security and obstructing Euro-Atlantic integration.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Yet all the eerie soundscapes and rabbit-hole mysteries and exposed underbellies wouldn’t amount to a Lynchian text without the surplus of feeling that characterizes, say, Laura’s heartbreaking recognition of her abuser, in Fire Walk With Me.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Ajay Devgn is back as Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, and the sequel digs deeper into the underbelly of India’s political corruption.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
The Kremlin correctly views the western Balkans as the soft underbelly of the continent, with Bosnia and Herzegovina as the central battleground for destabilizing European security and obstructing Euro-Atlantic integration.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Yet all the eerie soundscapes and rabbit-hole mysteries and exposed underbellies wouldn’t amount to a Lynchian text without the surplus of feeling that characterizes, say, Laura’s heartbreaking recognition of her abuser, in Fire Walk With Me.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Ajay Devgn is back as Amay Patnaik in Raid 2, and the sequel digs deeper into the underbelly of India’s political corruption.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
-
Over the years, the building trade had brought him into contact with Liverpool’s criminal underworld.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Director’s Cut: Dive into the gritty underworld of 1988 Japan in this definitive edition of Yakuza 0.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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The underside of its wings are honey yellow and with rusty red with black patches, according to the study.—
Lauren Liebhaber
July 8,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
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In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Noun
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In addition, some vehicles only have to display a back plate, like historic vehicles and motorcycles.—
Eleanor Nash
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
-
Rhodes, playing a de facto heel, immediately went after Orton’s back.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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But the Mets answered in the bottom of the fifth, rattling off four consecutive one-out singles, including one by Starling Marte that soared over center fielder Trent Grisham’s head to load the bases.—
Peter Sblendorio,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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But the Mets answered in the bottom of the inning with four consecutive one-out singles against Yankees ace Max Fried, including a two-run knock by Francisco Lindor that cut the deficit to 5-2.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Indeed, there is a chance the feline has a soft spot for the woman's roomie.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Her husband had always had a soft spot for yams and was glad for the sudden bounty.—
Zadie Smith,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Zachary Naegele, 24, was competing at the Conley Invitational in Palmetto, Florida, last week when the bull’s horn punctured his jugular, causing blood to stream out in a heart-pounding, caught-on-camera moment.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
15 Feb. 2025
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Gone are the days of Ami Cusack cutting down men without hesitation or Natalie Bolton flossing her teeth with Jason Siska’s jugular.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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