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
These questions have swirled since Nakamoto published a 2008 white paper outlining Bitcoin’s underlying framework, giving birth to a multitrillion dollar industry.
—
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Valerie Perrine’s cause of death was listed as acute cardiopulmonary arrest with the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease, according to a report.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
At roughly 16–17x forward earnings, Regeneron is trading well below its mid-2024 highs of over $1,100, even though the underlying business has grown and the pipeline has materially de-risked.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Valerie Perrine’s cause of death was listed as acute cardiopulmonary arrest with the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease, according to a report.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
At roughly 16–17x forward earnings, Regeneron is trading well below its mid-2024 highs of over $1,100, even though the underlying business has grown and the pipeline has materially de-risked.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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Even if Orbán were to lose the election, Europe’s ability to support Ukraine ultimately depends on the United States, not Hungary, and Washington is drifting in another direction.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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Ismael Ox Ox is supported by a loyal community of friends and athletes he's managed to build in his new home.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Korean’s quartet of assists was one shy of the MLS single-game record set by Lionel Messi last year, and established a new high for LAFC.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Year one established the foundation.—
Aaron Segal,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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October 23 – November 21 Scorpio, your presence can steady the room.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
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Sporting made a substitution at halftime, bringing on Diego Borges, which appeared to steady things a bit for Kansas City.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kochanowicz also escaped a first-and-third, two-out jam in the first by striking out Randy Arozarena looking at an 88-mph slider and a two-on, two-out jam in the third by getting Arozarena to ground out.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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The club did not score in the fourth despite having three singles, and in the fifth, the club squandered Roman Anthony’s two-out triple after Trevor Story grounded out to end the inning.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Murray worries about upholding his best friend’s wishes.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Residents attempted to start a referendum process, suing to uphold their right to petition for a public vote on the tax breaks, but were shut down by a Jackson County judge despite collecting about 5,000 signatures.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ezra's parents say that the moment is one that will be memorable for some time to come, further reinforcing his dreams of one day joining the law enforcement community.—
Lesley Marin,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Authorities reinforced security around Jewish sites in the wake of explosions last month outside synagogues in Liege, Belgium, and the Dutch port city of Rotterdam and outside a Jewish school in Amsterdam.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The tanker is believed to have carried approximately 9,000 gallons of gasoline during the crash.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2026
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And while vastly underused under Biff Poggi, seeing just 26 carries spanning two seasons (despite posting the highest average rush on the team), Rutledge elected to stay in green and gold and play for Tim Albin.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Revenues from these arrangements, along with port services for neighboring Ethiopia, underpin the economy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Those questions underpin a timely The New York Times feature on Nailya Allakhverdiyeva, who, until late 2024, remained at the helm of PERMM, a rare outpost for contemporary art beyond Moscow, in the industrial city of Perm.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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