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 Neurons form the underlying infrastructure, with axons and dendrites creating the main roads and side streets. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Another explanation is that there could be changes over time in diagnosis and reporting, or there could be other biological factors underlying why this condition appears to be increasing. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The specific factors leading to measles epidemics vary by country, but the underlying cause everywhere is decreased vaccination rates. — Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 Paxton showed little willingness to compromise on the underlying issue. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

Erdogan has called Netanyahu a war criminal and repeatedly accused Israel of atrocities in Gaza; Netanyahu has accused Erdogan of supporting Hamas.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The technology can support both conventional and remote sites, like areas where traditional energy infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to build.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Over the following decades, thousands more made the journey, with the American Colonization Society helping to establish settlements along the West African coast.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Locating water that can be used by humans is vital to establishing any long-term lunar presence.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Anson County’s elections office is again without stable leadership just weeks after the state stepped in to steady it.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026
For any brand looking to steady its input costs and protect its production lines from geopolitical shocks, the case is straightforward.

— Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of steady

Verb

Caglianone represented the tying run but grounded out on the first pitch against Blue Jays closer Louis Varland.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Transportation was also the leading cause of fatal injuries among truck drivers, fishing and hunting workers, refuse collectors and grounds maintenance workers.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

Harington, meanwhile, will be able to uphold his title as the king of HBO.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
The show also pokes fun at the late 1990s and early 2000s liberal cultural consensus that was upheld in other popular culture of the time while also both replicating and subverting stereotypes of suburban Southern white Americans.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Browse Nearby Words

underlay

underlie

underlies

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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