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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlies
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
So often, this dynamic of defiant contrast underlies hostility between countries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
High-resistivity wafers enter the high-level injection regime more readily than low-resistivity ones, a physical characteristic that underlies their superior intrinsic potential for achieving high fill factors.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Papouin’s team was studying changes at synapses that alter communication between neurons, a form of neuroplasticity that underlies ongoing shifts in thought and behavior.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
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
So often, this dynamic of defiant contrast underlies hostility between countries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
High-resistivity wafers enter the high-level injection regime more readily than low-resistivity ones, a physical characteristic that underlies their superior intrinsic potential for achieving high fill factors.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Papouin’s team was studying changes at synapses that alter communication between neurons, a form of neuroplasticity that underlies ongoing shifts in thought and behavior.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
Teresa Moya, the museum’s director, told the Art Newspaper that the addition supports Anahuacalli’s role as a center for research, conservation, and study.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This supports housing stability and economic mobility in Charlotte’s West End.—
Chase Jordan
April 21,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The room’s dramatic statement, Lee Jofa’s Arley wallpaper in Lagoon, echoes the natural beauty framed by the expansive windows, fostering a tranquil retreat that further grounds the cottage in the landscape.—
Jeanne Lyons Davis,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
-
That detail grounds the photograph in the human perspective.—
Christye Sisson,
The Conversation,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At its core, the bill establishes clear and consistent standard of fairness.—
Rep. Nick Menapace,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
-
For schools with bigger projects, Litardo said, the district also establishes a design advisory team like the one Sadowski joined.—
Maria Benevento,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The test also reinforces the growing importance of layered defense strategies.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
-
To many British veterans, the Australian case reinforces fears that the same trend could spread across other Western militaries, including the United States.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
And never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Yi-Jin Yu,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He shifts gears seasonally and bases the menu on what’s fresh.—
Jenna Thompson
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Mitchell bases his assessment on a poll released last week by state Democratic chairman Rusty Hicks, part of an effort to pressure low-polling Democratic candidates to step out of the race.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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