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 Microsoft kept its underlying capital spending outlook relatively disciplined while generating $19 billion in quarterly free cash flow . — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 But their underlying conflicts combine with a general dearth of jokes to pull things in the direction of drama. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 Underlying conditions Beyond cosmetic concerns, ferritin face may signal an underlying medical condition, including chronic bleeding, gastrointestinal disorders or cancers or malabsorption, according to hematological experts. — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Additional hormone testing helps identify the underlying cause, and your doctor may order more tests to rule out other medical conditions. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

Stefan Rittner, senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, said markets were more likely to accept measures that improve productivity, labor supply and long-term growth than spending aimed mainly at supporting consumption.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Reuters — Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in ‌its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

City Directors Kathy Webb and Capi Peck requested the proposal to establish the six-month moratorium earlier this summer.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
In 2009, Boko Haram, based in the northeast of the country, began a campaign of guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings, in an effort to establish a caliphate in the region.

— Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Typhoon Dolphin moved over Japan's southern remote islands Friday, causing a main airport on Okinawa to close and grounding all flights in and out of the island, while sending hundreds of people to take shelter at evacuation centers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Josh Bell walked to leadoff the fourth inning, moved to third base on a single by Royce Lewis and scored when Victor Caratini grounded into a double play to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ground

Verb

The Sezioni Unite — the highest rung of the Cassazione — accepted her arguments and overturned previous rulings, including one by a lower tier of the Cassazione which had upheld the minor issue as recently as 2024.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
The state's high court also upheld the Fifth Judicial District Court’s ruling that surveillance video showing Trevizo inside the hospital and any body camera footage captured by police were also not admissible in court.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

Football introduces more students and families to the university and reinforces that a local, affordable higher education option with Division I athletics exists right on the South Side.

— Monique Carroll, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Over the years, Vizard has watched visitors come to the farm to admire the birds, reinforcing her belief that the farm should continue to be used as an open space.

— Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

An identical sports risk carries a 51% tax through one legal door and an exchange fee through the other.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
How to prevent mosquito bites in Pittsburgh There are precautions people can take to help prevent mosquito bites, including bites from the species carrying West Nile Virus.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

Its universities remain unparalleled, its venture capital ecosystem remains unmatched, its semiconductor industry continues to underpin the global AI economy, and its frontier laboratories continue producing extraordinary breakthroughs.

— Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Security will underpin the AI economy, but trust will define it.

— Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of underpin

Browse Nearby Words

underlay

underlie

underlies

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Style

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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