1
as in supported
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
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2
as in grounded
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlay
This conviction underlay the Victorian workhouses in 19th-century England that Charles Dickens critiqued through his novels.
—
Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
There are still cheerleaders who say H.W. and Clinton’s top-tax-rate increases underlay the 1990s boom and budget surpluses.
—Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
There was another story that underlay the peace negotiations, and that was the story of the love between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024
The consumer welfare philosophy also underlay U.S. negotiations that resulted in international antitrust cooperation agreements and in competition chapters within bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlay
Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
There are still cheerleaders who say H.W. and Clinton’s top-tax-rate increases underlay the 1990s boom and budget surpluses.
—Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
There was another story that underlay the peace negotiations, and that was the story of the love between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024
The consumer welfare philosophy also underlay U.S. negotiations that resulted in international antitrust cooperation agreements and in competition chapters within bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlay
Verb
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Now, as Paxton is the Republican nominee for Senate, House Republicans who supported impeachment have taken differing positions.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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Back in February, a federal judge ruled that key provisions of the law could go into effect, a decision backed by retailers who supported the legislation.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Twice, Ryan Ward, the next batter, grounded into a double play, dashing any momentum.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
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But Isiah Kiner-Falefa grounded into an inning-ending double play to quash Boston’s best scoring bid of the afternoon.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Vegas coach John Tortorella challenged the call, but it was upheld after a video review.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
6 June 2026
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The Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the criminally negligent homicide convictions on June 4, but upheld Cichuniec's separate conviction for second-degree felony assault.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
Verb
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There’s plenty to see and do on this one street—stop by Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750; the Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, honoring the founder of the Girl Scouts; then grab a bite at Marbled & Fin, where luxe appetizers and aged steaks reign supreme.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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The annual celebration was established by El Centro de Ayuda over 20 years ago as a way to curb gang violence in the 1990s.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
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Michaela Trimble is a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who has been based in Mexico City for a decade.—
Michaela Trimble,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Verb
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This was reinforced in my nutrition consultation, where the advice aligned almost seamlessly with the doctor’s assessment.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
7 June 2026
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Rate-hike expectations were reinforced by the US labor-market readings on Friday as nonfarm payrolls increased 172,000 last month after upward revisions to the prior two months, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.—
Tony Czuczka,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Cove Kaz's investment is predicated on a belief that Kazakhstan's tungsten reserves will have a lifespan that outlasts many political cycles.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
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That enshrinement is predicated on what Valentine, 76, was able to do in the dugout for the Mets, at the helm of one of the most successful and entertaining periods in club history.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlay. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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