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

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2
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

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.
Recent Examples of underbelly Last fall, Boom applied patches of the material during testing of its experimental XB-1 to its underbelly. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 May 2025 The underbellies of Android 15 and One UI 7 have a completely new framework, which allows Samsung to incorporate a lot of efficiencies systemwide. PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025 Stories that explore the underbelly of this incredibly complex city. Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
  • With the exception of one strange, teasingly surreal scene, which conjures the feel of a yakuza thriller set somewhere between a criminal underworld and a metaphysical overworld, Kurosawa sidesteps any hint of the supernatural.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2025
  • But the story tells how Sedna came to rule over the Inuit underworld.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Bulky footwear can impede mobility when your heel is on the bottom of the kayak, and can force a tight fit when placing your feet on the underside of the deck.
    Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Diamondback Moth: Small brown caterpillars just 0.5 inches prior to pupation in loosely woven cocoons on the underside of brassica leaves.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Seahawks averaged 169 rushing yards per game last season and a trio of backs led by Trevor Luapo will carry the ball this year.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The Oviedo defense sacks Noah Grubbs on back to back plays to end the first half.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Screenshots from a July 28 Instagram video of a cat found hiding in the bottom of a couch after a buyer purchased it off Facebook Marketplace.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Here’s the reality about predicting market bottoms – surprises can occur.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Travis Kennedy has always had a soft spot for ‘80s glam rock and metal bands.
    Kelli Skye Fadroski, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid peppers that are shriveled, bruised, or have soft spots.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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