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
Relevance
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
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Ticket Information Brompton Cemetery Catacombs Hidden beneath one of London’s most atmospheric Victorian cemeteries lie the Brompton Catacombs — a shadowy underworld of vaulted chambers and crypts.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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The first half of Ballerina, which is a real drag, takes us through this origin story while insisting that the essence of the franchise, in addition to nightclub fights and bisexual lighting, is lots of talk about the baroque rules that delineate its underworld of warring criminal clans.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
4 June 2025
Noun
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The Solution: Check the plants carefully for signs of pests, and make sure to look on the underside of your plant leaves, too.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
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Stamps or maker’s marks are often located on the underside of items.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Collier, who missed the last two games with lower back soreness, came up clutch late.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
28 June 2025
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Rhodes, playing a de facto heel, immediately went after Orton’s back.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Two side-by-side doors open up, with a separate freezer drawer on the bottom.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
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Note: Scroll to the bottom of the story for the poll.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
23 June 2025
Noun
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In reality, the 64-year-old actress has a soft spot for senior dogs.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
22 June 2025
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McKinney Between 35 to 50 minutes from Dallas McKinney, Texas, has a little something for everybody, starting with those with a soft spot for charming downtowns.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
17 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 7 Jul. 2025.
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