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 moving servers into the ocean does not make other underlying environmental challenges such as energy consumption and carbon emissions disappear. — Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 Authorized participants can create or redeem large blocks of ETF shares when differences develop between the ETF’s market price and the value of its underlying holdings. — Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 The fascination is understandable, and the facts underlying Panettiere’s death are a matter of legitimate public interest. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026 Dermatologist Toral Vaidya of MDCS Dermatology in New York told HuffPost that consistent exposure to dry air can dehydrate your skin, worsen sensitivity and trigger flare-ups of underlying conditions like eczema. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
The distinctive frame already resembles the aircraft that will eventually soar through Titan’s dense orange skies, complete with landing skids, support arms for its eight rotors and the housing for its nuclear power system.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Leaders then establish daily habits that advance one milestone at a time and measure progress weekly, adjusting as necessary.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The port signed a cooperation agreement with the Federal Maritime Administration last month to help establish safety standards for the technology.

— Gio Insignares, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Defender Diana Cespedes and midfielder Mia Smith, who scored 11 goals last year, return to steady a group looking to rebound from a streaky season that included a five-game unbeaten run and then four straight losses.

— Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Then came the transition to camera operator, leading him to steady work in music videos and commercials.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of steady

Verb

Here, the designer grounded the tonal palette with warm fall florals, a cream table runner, and cozy candlelight.

— Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
With his team trailing in the bottom of the 10th inning, Contreras grounded out to third and was once again booed after jogging down the line.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

This would, sometimes, mean taking a hard line even between the monarch and family members if the aide believes that was the best course of action to uphold the interests of the monarchy.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
In Moscow, the Supreme Court upheld its ruling of a week ago to remove Yabloko from the ballot in the election for the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, denying an appeal by the party.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

To reinforce its point, the North followed up Thursday with a barrage of about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles launched from around the capital, Pyongyang, eastward toward the sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

— Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Stick Velcro dots to the underside of the felt at the top and bottom, reinforcing the adhesive under the Velcro dots with a little bit of hot glue.

— Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

Prime Air is currently testing a new drone delivery mechanism that could enable it to carry a wider assortment of products, like fragile cartons of eggs or other perishables, Carbon said.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The project now moves into a phase where engineering, construction and workforce development will carry as much importance as diplomacy.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

Alex Cooper seems intent on unraveling some of the current relationships that have helped underpin her production company, Unwell.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
Samsung achieved this seamless look by using an ultra-thin titanium alloy layer that underpins the flexible screen.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 16 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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