1
as in supports
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
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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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlies
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
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Again has a catchier ring than Make America Feel Real Again, but the same sentiment underlies both.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
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
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Again has a catchier ring than Make America Feel Real Again, but the same sentiment underlies both.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
The Pisces Moon in your 2nd House of Values trine Jupiter supports confidence around income, self-worth, and using resources in ways that grow rather than merely maintain.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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Research supports the view that leadership skill requirements are evolving alongside technological change.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Maintenance and grounds workers at Illinois State University are in the third week of a strike amid ongoing wage disputes.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Robertson grounds both versions of Niall in a sad-eyed misery, with Bell stepping in and giving the character grace notes of humor that don’t always seem to fit the story.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In addition to the weekly shows and game coverage, the partnership also establishes a joint year-round collaboration focused on community initiatives that serve Southern California.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
This establishes a safe zone called the Learned Homing Area.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The Fed under pressure The latest inflation reading reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged for a while — doing little to ease consumers' current affordability challenges.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
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This shift also reinforces pricing power at the top end of luxury.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Verb
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And at the counter, where chef and guest are separated by little more than a stretch of the hand, everything rests on precision, presence and the quiet thrill of relinquishing control to the chef’s capable hands.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
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And sure, animals such as starfish and flatworms can reproduce by cloning themselves—but at the end of the day, in most species, the survival of animals rests on their mothers.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
He shifts gears seasonally and bases it on what’s fresh.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The committee bases its rate decisions on economic data and its best assessment of how many factors – eg, fiscal policy and geopolitical events – may affect both inflation and employment.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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