Synonyms of underling

underling

noun

ˈən-dər-liŋ 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subordinate
• henchman
• minion
• junior
• assistant
• inferior
• sidekick
• follower
• deputy
• attendant
• aide
• lackey
• steward
• retainer
• domestic
• adjutant
• flunky
• second
• aid
• mate
• menial
• coadjutor
• second fiddle
• helpmate
• helpmeet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• superior
• boss
• leader
• chief
• head
• master
• foreman
• captain
• senior
• taskmaster
• headman
• helmsman
• kingpin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of underling

But the occupant of the Oval Office doesn’t want his underlings engaging in self-promotion and vindictive lawsuits. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

Once a long-suffering underling to Streep’s Priestly, her fortunes have now dramatically reversed. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026

Even Trump himself—with his garbled speech and incoherent ramblings—makes his underlings seem more credible by comparison. — Sarah Longwell, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026