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 But Sohn adds that diversifying away from the S&P 500 risk in this environment can also mean thinking about sectors such as natural resources and energy, from metals & mining names to underlying commodities. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Incorporating a few nutritious staples into the diet can help reduce belly fat and, in turn, lead to underlying health benefits. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 This mismatch between what’s good for people’s health and what’s good for the corporate bottom line has long been one of the underlying flaws in the US health system. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 And now this partnership really underlies our ecosystems on Earth. — Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
For a government overseeing a population dominated by mobile expats, that created a lot of uncertainty in terms of establishing an economic base that can support a welfare system and basic state infrastructure.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Around the same time, Congress established the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, an administrative body that adjudicates patent disputes.

— Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
During preliminary sea trials, operators aboard the carrier used the ship’s Unmanned Air Warfare Center (UAWC) to establish a beyond-line-of-sight connection with the aircraft through a satellite network.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

For decades, the United States favored an international order that forbade wars of conquest, upheld freedom of the seas, maintained a generally open global economy, and allowed populations to exercise democratic rights, even if autocracies remained.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
In a June ruling, the Supreme Court upheld states' authority to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, provided they were cast on time and meet state deadlines.

— Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Kim Yo Jong, widely viewed as the second most powerful official in Pyongyang, made the statement after visiting frontline areas where soldiers are reinforcing the border.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

During captive-carry testing, engineers can assess equipment carried by an aircraft before proceeding to more demanding flight demonstrations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
For airlines, the larger plane offers a way to carry more passengers on a single flight, potentially lowering costs per seat.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

China is looking to tighten biotechnology exports, but will leave the door open for licensing deals with foreign drugmakers that have underpinned its position as a growing pharmaceutical powerhouse, Bloomberg Law reports.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
The $56 million contract signals another step in the development of the industrial and technical framework underpinning AUKUS.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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