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 Each line beneath it is the condition that led to the one above, and the last line is the underlying cause, the disease or injury that initiated the chain of events. — Jess Steier, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026 The underlying architecture and engineering remain defined, but the interior layout, cabin arrangement, and styling can be personalized. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026 Identifying the underlying cause of dry eyes can help determine the most appropriate treatment and ways to manage symptoms. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2026 But the buyer can qualify based on the cash flow the underlying property is expected to generate — as opposed to their income and credit record. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

To support his debut as an SNL host, the Knicks starting five, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, were all in attendance.

— McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026
These can be enjoyed with compatible headphones and speakers (like some from Sonos) that support this virtual surround sound technology.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Earlier this month, Ralph Lauren revealed a partnership with the Korea National Cancer Center Foundation to establish the Ralph Lauren Center for Patient and Family Recovery at the National Cancer Center of Korea in Goyang, South Korea.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
The push is the strongest effort yet to establish federal rules for college athletics and regulate athlete compensation after years of negotiations and tumult.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Later, Mars trines Neptune in your 4th House, making home, family, or familiar comforts especially grounding.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
However, engineering challenges such as thermal management and structural lifespan have historically kept them grounded.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

With no dissents, the justices upheld a state court order requiring the use of a 2022 election map, which favors Republicans in six of the eight districts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
An appeals court recently upheld that dismissal, finding that Buzbee’s demand letter was protected because it was sent in anticipation of litigation.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

While such gifts can help to reinforce certain values, Pennington says that is not the only reason more people are choosing not to wait until after they’re gone to give away money.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Anton’s investment in The Creatives reinforces the financial strength of the group and provides additional access to equity financing.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

In July, the Drug Enforcement Agency proposed temporarily designating 7-OH above a certain threshold of potency as Schedule I, the category for drugs that carry the most risk without any medical benefit.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Smith accepted a deal from prosecutors in March, pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

Global demand for many of the minerals has soared in recent years due to their use in the energy transition or digital infrastructure that underpins AI.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Satellite navigation supports emergency services and transport, while timing and communications services underpin financial networks and parts of the energy sector.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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