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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlie
The underlying tension between the two countries may still persist.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Other underlying causes of his death included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, per the death certificate.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 5 June 2025
Beyond the underlying themes of family and deception, Banks just wants audiences to be entertained.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 4 June 2025
In a recent review paper, our team summarized how chronic stress is a hidden but powerful factor underlying cognitive aging, or the speed at which your cognitive performance slows down with age.
—Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Other underlying causes of his death included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, per the death certificate.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 5 June 2025
Beyond the underlying themes of family and deception, Banks just wants audiences to be entertained.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 4 June 2025
In a recent review paper, our team summarized how chronic stress is a hidden but powerful factor underlying cognitive aging, or the speed at which your cognitive performance slows down with age.
—Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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Arafat would similarly reject peace with Israel, support terrorism, and murder rivals and critics.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
-
The unit supports multiplayer modes with two gun connectors, essential for Point Blank.—
Matt Gardner,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Over the course of his prolific, three-decade career, the American filmmaker has established a signature aesthetic and working style that could convince any actor to beg him for a part — almost any actor.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Scheffler, meanwhile, steadied his game and started looking as inevitable as seeing another pair of khaki shorts at Quail Hollow.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2025
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Smith hopes to steady Maryland athletics during a turbulent time in College Park and elsewhere across college sports.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
15 May 2025
Verb
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After another ball, Yelich grounded a ball up the middle that would have scored Chourio had second baseman Jake Cronenworth not ran into the grass to backhand the ball.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
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Last summer, Walmart grounded drones in Salt Lake City, Tampa and Phoenix, citing a desire to hone in on the Dallas-Forth Worth metro area.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
6 June 2025
Verb
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There is a fundamental truth here that must be upheld.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
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However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The company’s shares have risen more than 7% this week as Meta’s deal to buy nuclear power from Constellation Energy has reinforced the view that demand is increasing as the tech sector hunts for electricity for its data centers.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In 2016, 23 Republicans won seats carried by Hillary Clinton and 12 Democrats won seats carried by Trump — a total of 35 crossover districts going into 2018.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
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Flair built his reputation on limousine rides and midnight blade jobs, Bruno Sammartino carried the belt like a civic honor, and Steve Austin smashed beers on his head and then drank them on the top rope.—
Oliver Bateman,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Because delivering the digital infrastructure that underpins a smart city isn’t a short-term task.—
Brendan O’Reilly,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Dollar Tree’s steady growth could underpin a breakout for the stock, according to JPMorgan.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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