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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlie
Papouin’s team was studying changes at synapses that alter communication between neurons, a form of neuroplasticity that underlies ongoing shifts in thought and behavior.
—
Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Some of the underlying numbers, though, aren’t as promising.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
However, their underlying logic for this rage is mistaken.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Over time, using a corrective exercise routine every morning also can help address underlying drivers of chronic back pain and posture problems.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Some of the underlying numbers, though, aren’t as promising.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
However, their underlying logic for this rage is mistaken.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Over time, using a corrective exercise routine every morning also can help address underlying drivers of chronic back pain and posture problems.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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The designer honors his Azerbaijani heritage, working with artisans from across Azerbaijan and Georgia to create rich, unique textures, while helping to support rural communities and preserve fading artisanal skills.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
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Democrats have vowed not to support the funding measure unless there are guardrails placed on the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Define your highest-value transformation, identify perfect-fit clients, set non-negotiable pricing, design simple delivery, and establish premium standards.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Calvo argued to the Herald that fictional portrayals should help establish a better image of the city, not harm it.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Porter went 3-for-4 from the field in the quarter, pushing his total to 16 points by halftime and helping Brooklyn steady itself through a colder offensive stretch.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
4 Jan. 2026
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For a 2-7 team trying to steady a season, the upcoming stretch of games will be crucial for Tagovailoa, coach Mike McDaniel, and the future of the franchise.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Drawing on modern rom-com sensibilities while grounding its storytelling in emotionally recognizable situations, the series arrives at a moment when audiences are increasingly overwhelmed by choice.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Keep progress modest and grounded to let small wins stack up.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That support has given me the strength to keep pushing forward, for integrity, accountability, and a sport that truly upholds the values that brought us together to compete.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Our list includes the American Civil Liberties Union, which has spent more than a century defending the Constitution, using litigation and advocacy to uphold the rule of law when state power drifts toward authoritarian abuse.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Takaichi has called an election on February 8 in a bid to reinforce her mandate on a range of policies, potentially including her tougher stance on China, having secured the office by winning an internal contest among her Liberal Democratic Party in October.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
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Their choices can either reinforce harms or reduce them.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Three agents are then seen carrying the man away from the scene by his arms and one of his legs.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Art carries wellness benefits, as well.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Together with roughly 600 submarine cables spanning the ocean floor, these systems underpin multiple aspects of modern life, supporting everything from navigation and weather forecasting to financial transactions, emergency response and military operations.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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The film also ends with the Guns N’ Roses song Sweet Child O’ Mine, and, much like its 1987 vintage, the song ties in wonderfully with Char’s Counterattack heritage, which now clearly underpins Gundam Hathaway.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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