1
as in supports
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in grounds
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
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Recent Examples of underlies
This sort of hypothesis—this mechanism underlies that disease, and the drug over there can target it—is also one of the more concrete forms of hypothesis in biology.
—
ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
By contrast, her father’s hypervigilance also underlies the narrative.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Spending underlies the fiber buildout and connectivity companies like Lumentum , Coherent , and portfolio holding Corning.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 May 2026
Separate research from the University of California, Riverside found that routine microplastic exposure accelerated the formation of atherosclerosis, the artery-narrowing condition that underlies most heart attacks and strokes.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
The quiet efficiency that underlies everything tends to preserve energy levels, which is a critical, albeit understated ingredient in Emery’s success in European competitions throughout his managerial career.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The technique that made Cassie run—training it in physics simulations—likely underlies the capability of robots like Lightning as well.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
By contrast, her father’s hypervigilance also underlies the narrative.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Spending underlies the fiber buildout and connectivity companies like Lumentum , Coherent , and portfolio holding Corning.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 May 2026
Separate research from the University of California, Riverside found that routine microplastic exposure accelerated the formation of atherosclerosis, the artery-narrowing condition that underlies most heart attacks and strokes.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
The quiet efficiency that underlies everything tends to preserve energy levels, which is a critical, albeit understated ingredient in Emery’s success in European competitions throughout his managerial career.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The technique that made Cassie run—training it in physics simulations—likely underlies the capability of robots like Lightning as well.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
The hotel supports local organizations including the Mallorca Preservation Foundation and the Madina Mayurqa Foundation, focused on the preservation of biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the Balearic islands.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The company said the platform also supports runtime features such as KV cache reuse, which helps retain information from previous interactions and reduces the need to repeatedly process the same data.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Bentley also appears in the film opposite Aakeel; the supporting cast is drawn from working drama students, whose presence grounds the masterclass setting in something immediate and lived-in.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 May 2026
-
But at the center of it all is Navarrette, whose fearless turn grounds the film’s shocking premise in something both heartbreaking and haunting.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
The Quran establishes humanity’s role as Khalifahs (stewards) of the Earth.—
Mariam Amini,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
The study does not demonstrate a complete chloride-ion battery but instead establishes a promising electrolyte platform that could support future battery development.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
From your perspective, what distinguishes the kind of conflict that deepens a story from one that just reinforces division?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
The Living Room bar has an undeniable energy and reinforces the hotel’s identity as a lifestyle hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Hubbard emphasized that the whole bond market system rests on the trust that the debt will be repaid.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
-
Their competitive advantage traditionally rests on operational efficiency rather than symbolic value.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
There's now a 40% probability that the Federal Reserve will hike rates at its December meeting, up from 3% at its June meeting, according to CME FedWatch, which bases its predictions on 30-Day Fed funds futures prices.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
He shifts gears seasonally and bases it on what’s fresh.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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