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.
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
Health officials from Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) confirmed on June 16 that an older adult with underlying health issues died from the disease.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
Gordon, of Northwestern, is among the most prominent economists arguing that AI won’t improve the underlying economy much at all, whatever his longtime buddy at Stanford says.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
But there was always an underlying theme of hope throughout the larger message.
—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
28 June 2026
While effective for many, the rule may not address underlying medical issues causing poor sleep, which require clinical evaluation.
—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
Gordon, of Northwestern, is among the most prominent economists arguing that AI won’t improve the underlying economy much at all, whatever his longtime buddy at Stanford says.
—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
But there was always an underlying theme of hope throughout the larger message.
—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
28 June 2026
While effective for many, the rule may not address underlying medical issues causing poor sleep, which require clinical evaluation.
—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
-
Gakpo's teammates came onto the filed to support him and formed a circle around him, putting their arms around each other as the crowd cheered, as shown in another video shared by Fox Sports.
-
During pregnancy, iron demand increases to support both the baby and placenta, while postpartum recovery can further lower ferritin due to blood loss.
Verb
-
Organizations considering a pilot should establish measurable outcomes upfront and track productivity, engagement, turnover, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial impact over time.
-
The state has not yet begun reporting its results, but protocols were established in 2021.
Verb
-
The footage, published by Reuters, shows passengers trying to steady themselves as the plane began to rapidly shake on the tarmac.
-
Until Culpepper gets the call, Kreidler should help steady the Twins middle infield.
Verb
-
The two daredevils who scaled the spire of the Empire State Building while the world watched have been grounded by the New York Police Department and are now the targets of a criminal investigation.
-
The Navy had to wait for specialized technicians to arrive or ship massive parts across the globe to repair depots in the US, keeping combat jets grounded.
Verb
-
In a 5-4 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court's majority, upheld limits Congress imposed on a president's attempt to remove members of the Fed as a legitimate protection of the institution's historical independence.
-
The ruling upholds laws in 30 states that allow at least some ballots to arrive after Election Day, including ballots from military voters and Americans who live overseas.
Verb
-
But the additional wording on the MSG sign about confidentiality during and post-event reinforces that there is no livestream, no TV broadcast and likely a social media blackout – until Swift and Kelce deem otherwise.
-
Goldman Sachs reinforced that view this week, initiating coverage with a buy rating and a $186 price target.
Verb
-
Just assume that any animal is going to carry disease, and rabies is one of them.
-
Fujimori’s presidency marks a return of her family’s political brand to Peru’s highest office — a movement that has long carried a complicated relationship with the United States.
Verb
-
The same mathematical approach underpins platforms such as Instagram, a wet market for faces, on which users self-brand and sell themselves—and on which the most successful products are those which top the algorithmic charts.
-
Those same themes also underpin Goldman's latest commodity outlook.
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
