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 If the solution isn’t to migrate 70% of the web to a new programming language, then fixing its underlying problems – and all the other software problems in the world – would hardly be an easy fix, either. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Capital Economics economist Hamad Hussain said the reserve release could lower diesel prices temporarily, but would not resolve the underlying supply crunch. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 In many instances, a nature lead might find that their underlying motivation is at odds with their employer’s, causing friction and making their — suddenly outsized — remit difficult to fulfil. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability protection when claims exceed the limits of underlying policies. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

This could help establish a circular supply chain in which discarded electronic components become feedstock for new industrial applications.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
At the news conference, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said investigators at his office gathered video evidence, interviewed witnesses and worked closely with prosecutors to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

The closest competitor to Starship, at least in the Earth-orbit launch market, is Blue Origin’s New Glenn, but that rocket exploded on its Cape Canaveral launchpad during a May 28 hotfire test and remains grounded.

— Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
In this Friday, April 26, 2019 file photo, SAS planes are grounded at Oslo Gardermoen airport during pilots strikes, in Oslo, Norway.

— Kirsten Grieshaber, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

Courts have reached different conclusions, and state governments want the Supreme Court to uphold their right to impose restrictions on prediction-market gambling.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
The decision upheld the constitutionality of the state's governmental immunity law as applied to wrongful death claims, which Stewart said are barred against governmental entities when the injury arises from a third-party assault or battery.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

The formula is acidic and built around citric acid, which helps reinforce the bonds color services weaken, and leaves hair smoother and easier to manage.

— Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Cook was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and continued her campaign through treatment, arguing her experience would reinforce her focus on affordable care access.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

The track’s watery percussion and acute synth stabs carry all the implication of a dancefloor, even without a beat.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Ossoff, 39, began the cycle as a top Republican target and the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state Trump carried in 2024.

— Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
That emphasis on people, not just the solutions themselves, also underpins the Global Change Award, which prioritizes developing the changemaker behind each concept, Dolva said.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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