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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Buddhist, recently widowed, and a successful artist, Rose is ditsy and rather eccentric, but is grounded by a 13-year-old step-granddaughter.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Though Chisholm grounded out to first to end the drama, Kotsay was not happy with his bullpen’s ninth-inning performance, which included five walks, four of them in a row with two outs.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The play was reviewed and upheld based on what the replay official said was a lack of evidence to overturn.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
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In October, the Herald interviewed a Venezuelan father from Tampa who was sent to back to Venezuela even though a judge had upheld TPS for Venezuelans the same day he was arrested during a routine check-in at an immigration office.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Under protocols established to monitor their health and protect the community, a quarantine order is in place.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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The backstory The history of Babylonstoren goes back to the tail end of the 17th century when it was established as a wheat and wine farm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
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The plot pivot point is based on a real proposal (but never actualized) to pay New York City homeowners to shelter migrants in their homes.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Also, the second-quarter revenue growth outlook of more than 30% reinforced Ikeda’s confidence in DDOG’s potential to generate further acceleration in its growth.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
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Humility has to be understood, developed, measured, and reinforced as part of the system of leadership.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.
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