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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
The reciprocal tariff proposals have faced legal challenges, and strict immigration measures have sparked nationwide protests, exposing the social and ethical frictions underlying the country’s shifting priorities.
—
Time, 6 Aug. 2025
In the first half, Unilever’s underlying sales totaled 30.1 billion euros, with the 3.4 percent growth marginally higher than analysts’ expectations.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2025
Some words are censored, while others are popularized through online memes and trends, meaning that the very structure underlying social media is responsible for rerouting our language in real time.
—Adam Aleksic, People.com, 14 July 2025
Viewing it through the lens of corporate finance, one thing became disturbingly clear: the underlying business model of higher education is deeply flawed.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Time, 6 Aug. 2025
In the first half, Unilever’s underlying sales totaled 30.1 billion euros, with the 3.4 percent growth marginally higher than analysts’ expectations.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2025
Some words are censored, while others are popularized through online memes and trends, meaning that the very structure underlying social media is responsible for rerouting our language in real time.
—Adam Aleksic, People.com, 14 July 2025
Viewing it through the lens of corporate finance, one thing became disturbingly clear: the underlying business model of higher education is deeply flawed.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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The reinforcements will join French and Italian aircraft already supporting Spanish operations.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
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An estimated 20,000 people were in attendance, many to support the team from their home state.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Joan Mitchell Foundation was established following the death of the great American abstract painter (1925-1992) bearing its name, fulfilling her wish to provide resources and opportunities for visual artists.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Now both are established veterans playing on lucrative second contracts.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The reader is often lost, with no authorial hand to steady us.—
Nadja Spiegelman,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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Rookie center Beaux Limmer was replaced by familiar face Coleman Shelton, back after a year in Chicago to steady the line.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Take inspiration from Benny Blanco to start harvesting your produce or from Jennifer Aniston's more relaxing and grounded approach to outdoor spaces.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2025
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Before operations were grounded, DCA was reporting average delays of more than four hours for incoming flights and nearly two hours for departing flights.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Gaming moderation is gaining strategic importance not only as a means to uphold community standards but also as a cornerstone of user safety through age-appropriate and respectful interactions.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Such transparency helps uphold the second journalism standard -- accuracy.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The key questions to address with AI include are citizens more confident engaging with tribal services, does AI strengthen traditions, language, or practices, and does technology reinforce tribal governance authority?—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In turn, everyone in the community carries an innate sense of stewardship.—
Chrissy Tracey,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The Igloo Latitude 52 is lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for short-term cooling at picnics, beach days, or backyard barbecues.—
Francesca Krempa,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The league says its efforts are underpinned by performance testing.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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That compares to the less frequent, but more reliable, American Community Survey, which is underpinned by interviews with 2 million households.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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