as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in supporting
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Related Words
2
as in grounding
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underlying
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Their underlying numbers are equally compelling, conceding just five big chances on their goal.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Even the most basic plain-vanilla checking account carries an underlying cost for transaction processing and maintenance, estimated between $200 and $400 annually.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The long-term implication is a more resilient, mentally literate workforce, but the high underlying prevalence (37 percent with moderate/severe depression) means sustained institutional investment is crucial.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Their underlying numbers are equally compelling, conceding just five big chances on their goal.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
According to the complaint, Ascension Health consistently declined to submit the grievance to arbitration, stating that the underlying grievance is not arbitrable.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Even the most basic plain-vanilla checking account carries an underlying cost for transaction processing and maintenance, estimated between $200 and $400 annually.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Its boxy fit and hip-skimming length call to mind the actress’s style, while its fall-ready texture adds a trendy twist to basic outerwear.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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Billowing sleeves and a loose, flowy hem allow the top to move with you through the airport, during sightseeing excursions, and even out to a nice dinner, and the neutral sage color keeps the top sufficiently wearable as your new go-to basic.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While there has been vocal backlash and criticism of De Niro’s remarks, people have also shared posts on social media supporting his comments.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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Aging can also contribute, as the supporting tissues of the anal canal naturally weaken over time.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mental health experts suggest that hands-on hobbies like knitting, puzzle-making, and baking foster mindfulness and reduce anxiety by activating our senses, grounding us in the moment, and shifting focus from perfection to process.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
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Layers of spice mingle with papyrus to evoke antique paper, while cedar adds grounding warmth.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The rudimentary device, likely made from firework explosives, was planted outside the front gate of Ranucci’s house in Campo Ascolano, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Rome, the journalist told state broadcaster RAI on Friday.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
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The department, run by State Superintendent Jill Underly, relies on a rudimentary system to track its investigations, obscuring the scale of misconduct for policymakers and the public.—
Danielle DuClos,
jsonline.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Politically, the affluence manifested in Long Island establishing itself as a bastion of the Republican Party, showing strong support for Hoover in his doomed Presidential campaign against Roosevelt.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
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After establishing himself as a core player, Braun has put himself in position to earn upwards of $30 million per season.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Yes, my two sons attend Milford Schools at the elementary and high school level.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Oct. 2025
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Higley Unified School District Seeks a maintenance and operations budget override of 15% to support teacher compensation, class sizes, educational resources for classrooms, elementary programs, including physical education, music and arts, all-day kindergarten and gifted programs.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The timing of the deal comes as Big Tech firms race to secure scarce land, power, and compute capacity—the foundational resources underpinning the AI race.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
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While crypto has slightly rebounded and stocks bounced back on Monday, uncertainty is still underpinning the market.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Other labels — including Valentino and Sandro — marked the season with intimate evening celebrations and events for their top clients, reinforcing the trend of experiential retail.—
Mayu Saini,
Footwear News,
18 Oct. 2025
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These videos, shared widely across social media, falsely depicted him stealing, fleeing police, and reinforcing racial stereotypes.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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