Synonyms of underlie

underlie

verb

1

as in to support

to lie underneath

A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

• support
• steady
• uphold
• carry
• underpin
• sustain
• bolster
• undergird
• stay
• truss
• bear
• buttress
• brace
• prop (up)
• shore (up)

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.

Related Words

• establish
• ground
• establish
• reinforce
• support
• contribute (to)
• base
• rest
• predicate
• bolster
• corroborate
• prove
• confirm
• verify
• affirm
• found
• substantiate
• hang
• conduce (to)
• validate
• back
• presuppose
• buttress
• shore (up)
• postulate
• presume
• suppose
• assume
• premise
• avouch

Dissimilar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• undercut

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of underlie

Refusing to step out when instructed can lead to charges like interfering with public duties or resisting detention, even if the underlying stop was for a minor violation. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026

That does not automatically mean the underlying finances improved. — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026

Perhaps most interesting of all, our findings suggest that some of the ingredients (curiosity, tolerance, caregiving and play) underlying those relationships may have deep evolutionary roots. — Cyril Grueter, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026

All nine patients had underlying health conditions and were hospitalized after wounds had been exposed to seawater, officials said. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026