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
Yet the underlying lesson remains remarkably similar.
—
Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
But the underlying logic isn’t so different.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 10 June 2026
The underlying capability is the business.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Prosecutors have used the episode to suggest that members of union leadership took steps to identify those who raised concerns rather than to investigate the underlying conduct.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
But the underlying logic isn’t so different.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 10 June 2026
The underlying capability is the business.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Prosecutors have used the episode to suggest that members of union leadership took steps to identify those who raised concerns rather than to investigate the underlying conduct.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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Thank you for being a friend Allyship means a lot to the community, and several businesses go above and beyond to support it.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
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The supporting drama categories remain the most crowded acting races, but still shows the long-term decline, which is staggering.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The company's Pegasus rover is designed as part of a broader effort to establish a more permanent human presence on the moon.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
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The duo established themselves as fixtures of the tabloid era known for staging paparazzi photos, fueling feuds and embracing the attention that came with being reality television’s most famous pair.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Share your summary, and steady the team’s pace.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
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While Phelan has helped steady the ship at Everton, the final matches have shown there is much work to be done at the club this summer.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
Verb
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The neutral colors and pattern help ground your space and tie all of your furniture and decor together seamlessly.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
-
Angel Cano popped out to second, Ty Rhoades struck out swinging and Cade Martin grounded out to third.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 June 2026
Verb
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At the same time, the resolution calls for humane immigration policies that uphold justice and mercy, strongly rejecting nativism, discrimination and racial or ethnic hostility.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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But maybe democratizing access is better served at the beginning of the process, not as a last-minute scramble designed to uphold FIFA’s primary goal to maximize revenue.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The result is a relentless flood of advice that derives its authority not from expertise but from personal testimony, endlessly reinforcing the idea that your feelings are your most important parenting instrument.—
Nina Bandelj,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
-
Choose the modest fix that reduces strain, then let that improvement reinforce the larger plan.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, my niece is ready and the potty full of pee is passed above the table because there is no room to carry it around the side without spilling on the guests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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Cellphone video captured a spectacular, pre-Fourth of July display of fireworks on a Tennessee highway Saturday evening as a trailer carrying the incendiary haul erupted, authorities said.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
8 June 2026
Verb
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That philosophy underpins much of their work.—
Sarah Kingdom,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
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City officials approved an agreement underpinning the massive plan in 2022, around the same time that Victory — then pitched in a different form as Seasons on the Bench — took shape on farmland next door.—
Mark Dee
June 10,
Idaho Statesman,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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