UNDERLIE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

underlie

verb

Definition of underlie

as in to support

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

Relevance

as in to establish

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 underlie Ryan Wideman has produced, but the underlying numbers are less flattering. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 9 July 2026 Bolstered by poetic visuals and stunning performances from the young cast, Thorne’s psychological approach offers profound insight into the unconscious impulses that underlie our current political crises. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026 Moynihan’s management team also took note of investors’ willingness to back such companies at valuations that weren’t tethered to their underlying earnings, adding to their level of confidence. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 Whether broadcasters choose to merge with each other or move in with the platforms, the underlying diagnosis is the same. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

The director of personal training at Chelsea Piers Fitness told Harper’s Bazaar that when used correctly, the plates can improve circulation and lymphatic flow, supporting recovery and reducing fluid buildup.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
Today, Tejada is studying health care in college with the goal of working for an organization that supports domestic violence survivors.

— Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of support

Verb

The move came after the Fort Worth Zoning Commission voted on July 8 not to recommend that the city council adopt a sweeping proposal that would bring data centers into the city’s zoning code and establish development standards for them.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
However, stabilization over the past few weeks has allowed for an oversold upturn in the weekly stochastics and consecutive weeks of improving momentum, which increases the likelihood that EWZ has established a low.

— Katie Stockton, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Your focus and loyalty help steady the conversation while timelines or chores are adjusted.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
On Wall Street, the Dow sank 576 points as housing and travel stocks slid on rising yields and fuel costs, even while heavyweight AI names helped steady the S&P 500.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of steady

Verb

For couples trying to build a life that feels both grounded and inspired, Charlotte makes a strong case for itself.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Every supporting cast member pops, Zimmer’s score is ominously tense, and the action sequences are grounded and effective.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

Last week, the country's Supreme Court upheld a seven-year prison sentence against Yoon, his first case to reach the country’s highest court since the ouster.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
And when those providers challenged the suspensions, investigations upheld 80% of decisions — because the enforcement was built on data, not guesswork.

— Mehmet Oz, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of uphold

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
Reinaldo Dias da Rocha, who is from the same community, said his father had already encouraged him not to hunt sharks, but the project had reinforced the importance of preserving the animals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Proof that the country our parents carried in their voices, their food, their music, and their sacrifices was never exaggerated.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

What is the philosophy that underpins Elon Musk’s varied ventures, from Tesla to SpaceX to DOGE?

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
That underpins Pennington’s confidence that her customers will still value human financial advisers even as technology becomes more sophisticated at anticipating their needs.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of underpin

Browse Nearby Words

underlay

underlie

underlies

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Style

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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