Synonyms of underlings

underlings

noun

plural of underling

as in subordinates

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

• subordinates
• minions
• henchmen
• inferiors
• juniors
• assistants
• followers
• sidekicks
• deputies
• attendants
• menials
• aides
• lackeys
• domestics
• stewards
• retainers
• flunkies
• adjutants
• seconds
• coadjutors
• mates
• aids
• helpmates
• helpmeets
• second fiddles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• superiors
• seniors
• leaders
• bosses
• masters
• chiefs
• foremen
• heads
• captains
• taskmasters
• headmen
• kingpins
• helmsmen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of underlings

In David’s 1996 novel Absolute Power, an American president presumes himself to be above the rule of law and seeks to force his underlings to commit criminal acts that will benefit him. — David Baldacci, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026

His Picard is authoritative, with none of the friendly push and pull with his underlings that Kirk had. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

His underlings kidnapped and tortured a dealer who refused to pay, the indictment said. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Lamb, who was once floated for the service’s top job, treats his current position as a kind of penance for past sins, both for himself and for his underlings. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Ellison is said to be a boss who is loyal to his underlings, particularly with his own hires. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

With her severe bob and icy demeanor, Miranda chills her underlings to the bone. — Jami Ganz, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2026

Giamatti makes Jerry ferocious but not monstruous, a man who certainly likes barking orders at various underlings but loves making good theater even more. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

One of Driscoll’s underlings, Deputy Undersecretary Dave Fitzgerald, is also leaving, The Wall Street Journal reported. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026