Synonyms of underlie

underlie

verb

1

as in to support

to lie underneath

A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

• support
• steady
• uphold
• carry
• underpin
• sustain
• bolster
• undergird
• stay
• truss
• bear
• buttress
• brace
• prop (up)
• shore (up)

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

• establish
• ground
• establish
• reinforce
• support
• contribute (to)
• base
• rest
• predicate
• bolster
• corroborate
• prove
• confirm
• verify
• affirm
• found
• substantiate
• hang
• conduce (to)
• validate
• back
• presuppose
• buttress
• shore (up)
• postulate
• presume
• suppose
• assume
• premise
• avouch

Dissimilar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• undercut

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of underlie

If today’s concentration is being driven not only by the growing size of a handful of companies, but also by a common investment theme—AI—does reducing position sizes fully diversify the underlying sources of portfolio returns? — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Conversely, if the term is meant as an insult, then a critic should describe the underlying mechanisms which produce the boredom in question. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

The team varied the identity presented to a model while keeping the underlying tasks the same. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Do these underlying updates add up to a smartwatch that actually feels new? — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026