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
Amazon Bedrock will underlay the solution, according to a release.
—
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 July 2024
There are unresolved tensions in Williams’s script that could use some pressure, like the way Cephus’s seeming nostalgia exists alongside his acknowledgment of segregation, or how economic realities underlay his journey north (and only a deus ex machina allows his return to the South).
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024
Chris Messina steals scenes as unhinged, foul-mouthed agent David Falk, while Jason Bateman underlays his straight-man deadpan with subtle emotion as Rob Strasser.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2023
Another key part of the trick involves an appreciation of two psychological systems that underlay our decision making, as described by Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist and Nobel Prize-winner.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for underlay
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 July 2024
There are unresolved tensions in Williams’s script that could use some pressure, like the way Cephus’s seeming nostalgia exists alongside his acknowledgment of segregation, or how economic realities underlay his journey north (and only a deus ex machina allows his return to the South).
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024
Chris Messina steals scenes as unhinged, foul-mouthed agent David Falk, while Jason Bateman underlays his straight-man deadpan with subtle emotion as Rob Strasser.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2023
Another key part of the trick involves an appreciation of two psychological systems that underlay our decision making, as described by Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist and Nobel Prize-winner.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for underlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlay
Verb
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The findings demonstrated that the scaffold not only supported cell survival but also enabled reconnection across a severe injury.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
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Helicopters and super scoopers--specialized firefighting aircraft scooping water out of Pine Flat Lake-- supported suppression efforts as visibility allowed.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Garcia worked a walk, but Perez grounded out to end the frame.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Aug. 2025
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Littles encourages men to prepare emotionally, communicate openly, and even consider therapy or counseling to stay grounded during this transition.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The group exhausted legal remedies after a February 2025 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that upheld a 2021 Metro Council vote to strip the building of its local landmark status, clearing the way for demolition.—
Matthew Glowicki,
The Courier-Journal,
3 Sep. 2025
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For example, the court in January upheld a law aimed at banning TikTok just weeks after the social media giant appealed a lower court’s ruling.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On May 19, the DOJ established the Civil Rights Fraud Initiate to prosecute recipients of federal funds that engage in DEI.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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The landmark case established that flag burning alone is protected political speech.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
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.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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Before satellite measurements, researchers relied on estimates and data from a smattering of air and ground-based sensors.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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During restoration, the tables were repaired, reinforced and re-lacquered, while the chairs were reupholstered and restored to their original brand-new appearance.—
Isabelle Kliger,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Their limp exit at the 2023 World Cup was predicated on an over-reliance with the old guard, some of whom are still performing.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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But Boyd’s case is predicated on an argument Campbell found unpersuasive.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlay. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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