UNDERLAY Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

underlay

verb

Definition of underlay

past tense of underlie

as in supported

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

Relevance

as in grounded

to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea) The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 underlay Judge Ruiz ruled Thursday that the second vote cured the problems that underlay her initial block on the deed transfer. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025 Once the human in the loop selects the option the team prefers, the systems can assign tasks to agents that underlay SAP’s assistant. — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025 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 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 See All Example Sentences for underlay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlay

Verb

Earlier versions of the county’s early voting plan included Sunday voting, which Democrats generally supported and Republicans opposed.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
The largest project the fund has supported is the $300 million redevelopment of Parade Park Homes.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Definition of supported

Verb

Nolan’s vision and aesthetic is distinct, at once grounded and nightmarish, with plenty of little bits added or changed, but the spirit of the story intact.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Blue Origin, although its New Glenn booster is temporarily grounded, has also demonstrated the ability to both land and re-launch a large orbital booster.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of grounded

Verb

Representatives from each member state are expected to decide on July 24 if his suspension will be upheld and what, if any, disciplinary actions will be taken.

— Christiane Amanpour, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
The president has appealed that outcome; so far, federal courts have upheld the award.

— Bill Chappell, NPR, 14 July 2026

Definition of upheld

Verb

Timothée Chalamet, who has established a penchant for outré themed courtside outfits to cheer on his beloved New York Knicks, transferred his spirit to root for his other team France.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 July 2026
That firm was established in 2024 by Cody Kittle, who previously worked as a portfolio manager at Elliott Investment Management, the activist investor, and is itself backed by Sequoia Heritage.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of established

Verb

In addition to the June 2027 trial date, both sides proposed that Maduro’s lawyers file their motion to dismiss the case based on sovereign immunity by September, with oral argument scheduled for November.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 July 2026
This investigation is based on activity between March and Sunday, July 12, your response only needs to cover this timeframe.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of based

Verb

The Athletics have been the worst team in Major League Baseball for nearly two months and reinforced that point Friday night in their first game since the All-Star break.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Teaching has reinforced my belief that people grow when they are given opportunities to learn, reflect and improve.

— Dr. Asma Al Aufi, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of reinforced

Verb

The conditions of Fang’s release — predicated in large part on his lack of any serious criminal history — include supervision by federal pretrial services and an unsecured $15,000 bond co-signed by Fang’s father.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Apple’s entire business is predicated on the consumer desire for simplicity.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of predicated

Browse Nearby Words

underlain

underlay

underlie

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Style

“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlay. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlay

verb

Example Sentences

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