1
2
as in to establish
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlie
What remains clear is that the underlying forces driving dissent have not disappeared.
—
Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The announcement came alongside the public release of two OCC reports that spell out the underlying allegations.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 5 Jan. 2026
In processes like this, any loss of carbon as carbon dioxide is a key sign that the underlying process is inefficient.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Following reveals of Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth and Nayanthara as Ganga, the poster introduces Sutaria’s character as a figure combining fragility with underlying strength.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The announcement came alongside the public release of two OCC reports that spell out the underlying allegations.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 5 Jan. 2026
In processes like this, any loss of carbon as carbon dioxide is a key sign that the underlying process is inefficient.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Following reveals of Kiara Advani as Nadia, Huma Qureshi as Elizabeth and Nayanthara as Ganga, the poster introduces Sutaria’s character as a figure combining fragility with underlying strength.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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Invest in fiction written by humans and so support human creativity, vocations, and organic economies?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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The Football Association of Ireland passed the resolution, proposed by Irish club Bohemians, with more than 50% of its delegates supporting it.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The film is set in 1935 Tartu and at the University of Tartu, where, a year earlier, Professor Lazar Gulkowitsch, exiled from Germany, had established a chair of Judaic Studies within the Faculty of Philosophy.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
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While proponents of wearable technology in prisons and jails have described it as potentially lifesaving, privacy rights groups and even law enforcement officials say the devices can raise ethical and legal concerns and urge agencies to establish strict rules on data use, retention and consent.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Porter went 3-for-4 from the field in the quarter, pushing his total to 16 points by halftime and helping Brooklyn steady itself through a colder offensive stretch.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
4 Jan. 2026
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For a 2-7 team trying to steady a season, the upcoming stretch of games will be crucial for Tagovailoa, coach Mike McDaniel, and the future of the franchise.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Romance takes on a confident, playful tone in January, inviting you to have fun while staying grounded.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Having something familiar to read, especially during turbulence or delays, can be grounding and comforting.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But in 2023, that promise was not upheld when the Corps released a draft supplemental environmental report, Augustine said.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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In the third appeal stage, the Supreme Court has now upheld this verdict.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The trend, the study says, is likely to reinforce the advantages of platforms with scale, deep libraries and diversified monetization.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
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Both are decorated with vintage features reminiscent of 20th-century classrooms, reinforcing the theme of celebrating Olde Town Arvada’s rich history.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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Ekitike could cause City problems with his ability to stretch the play and ball-carrying qualities.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But the scene Lean Cat, Savage Cat takes you to is underpinned by a research project centered around iconic Berlin trans nightlife figure (and former lover of David Bowie) Romy Haag.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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Authoring one’s own story Undoubtedly, economic grievances underpin the current protests in Iran.—
Kamran Talattof,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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