1
as in supports
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlies
But in making their arguments, the authors went further, addressing fundamental questions of politics by laying out the political theory that underlies that Constitution.
—
Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Training, both stressed, underlies all of it.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
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
Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Training, both stressed, underlies all of it.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
Paige Sterling, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the mayor has worked hard to build affordable housing in the city and supports the construction of more, including in Venice.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
With the We’Raw technology, Isko provides a product that preserves the authentic raw aspects of denim—including color and shrinkage—and supports brands’ cut-and-sew approach.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Many of us have long felt that music is medicine; this book grounds that belief in concrete examples.—
Juliet Izon,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
-
Watson across from him grounds their duo with a drillmaster’s sense of duty.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The new prototype is the final aircraft to join Vertical’s flight test fleet before the Company completes Critical Design Review (CDR), a major programme milestone that establishes the design baseline for certification.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
-
The rule establishes a process to determine how contracts will be prohibited.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Educators themselves appear particularly drawn to how the platform reinforces strong instructional practices rather than bypassing them.—
Wyles Daniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2026
-
This perspective reinforces a fundamental truth that early detection remains our most practical tool to improve survival rates, simplify treatment and protect a patient’s quality of life.—
Eric Wargotz,
Baltimore Sun,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Palestinians and Lebanese exist and persist in their land the way a tree grows and a rock rests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Defense rests without Anthony taking the stand The defense presented only three witnesses before resting on Monday.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
8 June 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
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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 14 Jun. 2026.
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