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
Catherine O'Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause, according to a Los Angeles County death certificate issued Monday, The Associated Press reported.
—
CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
The underlying dispute centers on the funding mechanism for the more than $7 billion project, which Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other plaintiffs argue is unconstitutional.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Nolte said street-level beauty isn’t copying runway looks, but about absorbing their underlying mood.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
People are interested in the stuff because the underlying scientific and philosophical questions are utterly fascinating.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
The underlying dispute centers on the funding mechanism for the more than $7 billion project, which Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other plaintiffs argue is unconstitutional.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Nolte said street-level beauty isn’t copying runway looks, but about absorbing their underlying mood.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
People are interested in the stuff because the underlying scientific and philosophical questions are utterly fascinating.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Knight will be at her now-fiancée’s 1500m race Friday to support Bowe.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Palestinian citizens of Israel are descendants of those who were not expelled or forced to flee their homes when Israel was established in 1948.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Phytoplankton establishes on the branches, which attracts zooplankton and insects.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now a junior shortstop at the heart of UCLA’s resurgence, Cholowsky occupies the most unforgiving real estate on the diamond — asked not just to steady the infield, but to restore the Bruins to the top rung of college baseball.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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It was meant to steady me and set the tone for the year ahead.—
Adrianne Wright,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This experience grounds my approach in practicality, accountability, and real world outcomes rather than theory alone.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Lee Yi-shan has a unique ability to ground the supernatural in the emotional reality of her characters.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Habba resigned from her post in December after an appeals court upheld the earlier ruling.—
JESSICA HILL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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Habba resigned from her post in December after an appeals court upheld the earlier ruling.—
Jessica Hill,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By the Middle Ages, people in France and England believed birds began mating around that time of year, reinforcing the connection to romance.—
Katey Psencik,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
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More off days for Altuve is another possibility — one that could be reinforced if the Astros do carry their current infield surplus into the season.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Keough alone could carry the film, embodying the most peculiar mix of lust and off-kilter desire in her baby-blue thigh high boots.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
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He was pictured carrying a Louis Vuitton box into the restaurant—perhaps a Valentine’s Day gift for Rihanna?—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Given that the endangerment finding underpins all of the EPA’s noteworthy climate rules, this move is a big deal with significant consequences for efforts to tackle emissions as well as regulate companies.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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The endangerment finding is widely considered the legal foundation that underpins a series of regulations intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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