UNDERLYING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ

Definition of underlying

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie

as in supporting

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of underlying

Adjective

Patients with weakened immune systems or serious underlying conditions, as well as those with medical devices, such as catheters, face especially high risks. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 The underlying rights to the movie are a major focus of the lawsuit. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026

Verb

When software is granted the authority to execute decisions autonomously, the underlying infrastructure can no longer rely on guesswork. — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Papps said the bigger concern is relying on seeds to mask symptoms of an underlying condition instead of seeking care. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

Those running for the board have diverse backgrounds and varying ideas, but also near-unanimous agreement that district leaders need to do more to meet the basic needs of students struggling to pursue their higher education goals.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Sure, public schools that can't afford to provide teachers with basic supplies like crayons and where nurses have to keep track of every bandage and packet of acetaminophen are performing surgery that costs $100,000-plus.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

There’s also evidence supporting some non-drug treatments for hot flashes, night sweats and sleep or mood problems, ACOG said.

— Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Stanley said drivers and bus monitors play an especially important role in supporting students with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

— Jamal Goss, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Fresh Snow is a rare floral that works well for me in the wintertime, thanks to grounding notes of suede and musk.

— Kara McGrath, Allure, 29 Oct. 2026
Ali Tekin, the mill’s director of research and development, said the colors add a soft and grounding effect to collections.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of grounding

Adjective

The district projects about $3,000 in cash and nearly $1,000 in expenses, including renting a post office box, maintaining its rudimentary website and buying supplies for outreach and education events, such as handouts and volunteer shirts.

— Beth Kassab, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Scouring Europe’s strikers using the most rudimentary of metrics — goals scored — throws up a familiar set of utterly unattainable targets.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

The fighting with the Houthis is compounding the economic headwinds forced on the kingdom by the Iran war and a general economic slowdown; Saudi officials already have had to reassess some of the grander ambitions underpinning Vision 2030.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Weil Gotshal’s collapse is a potential shock to the legal infrastructure underpinning sports’ private equity boom.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

This may mean removing an abusive parent as their guardian and establishing another relative or foster parent in place of the parent.

— Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt jumped in a few months later, on the anniversary of the Palisades fire, establishing himself as an unpredictable presence on the campaign trail.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

Given a candidate for universal operations, this program systematically explores all possibilities to express the 36 elementary functions, numbers and important constants.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
Meaningfully reducing property tax bills for Illinois homeowners and businesses would require the state to take on a much larger share of the cost of elementary and secondary education, likely through the income tax or sales taxes.

— Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

Despite voters upholding the practice, California has not executed anyone since 2006.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Martin supported the head tax and was the deciding vote recently upholding the mayor’s veto of an ordinance that would have required 30 of 50 aldermen to support future bond authorizations.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

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“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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