as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underling
Like his Washington, Bargatze’s Farnsworth regaled a trio of underlings (SNL cast members Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson) with ridiculous yet accurate predictions for the future, in this case of TV.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
When asked by an underling whether there will one day be a network for white people, Farnsworth said yes: CBS.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.
—Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?
—Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
Judy Berman, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
When asked by an underling whether there will one day be a network for white people, Farnsworth said yes: CBS.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.
—Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?
—Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling
Noun
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Many politicians should, but won’t, learn worthwhile lessons about the value of public deference and praise of subordinates who work every day on the front lines.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Cook was reportedly allowed to quietly resign in 2020 by Hogsett after an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate came to light.—
Hayleigh Colombo,
IndyStar,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
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That aesthetic also reflects in the exquisite costumes by Olivier Bériot and Catherine Leterrier (in one scene, a henchman wears clothing featuring the same pattern as the elaborate wallpaper to camouflage).—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
11 Dec. 2025
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Also newly attached to Write to Kill are Simon Newton and Mike Wood, who will play henchmen.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Some eager minion jumped the gun and published in the morning what was supposed to be the post-ceremony press release announcing the winners.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Miami should have purged the roster even more, shipping off starters for draft picks, but apparently none of the bids enticed Ross and his minions, who are the individuals really calling the shots now.—
Omar Kelly
November 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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