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
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Recent Examples of underlying
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Consider seeing a physical therapist specializing in gait (walking or running pattern) analysis to help determine the underlying cause of your blisters and develop a treatment plan.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
A lot of us are still confused on what exactly this charge -- the underlying facts are going to be.
—ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
Despite concerns rising that the economy could be slowing into the back part of the year, the economic data has remained fairly solid, and other reports Thursday confirmed underlying strength.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Consider seeing a physical therapist specializing in gait (walking or running pattern) analysis to help determine the underlying cause of your blisters and develop a treatment plan.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
But underlying it all are economic concerns — the cost-of-living impacts that almost always weigh heavily in elections.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
A lot of us are still confused on what exactly this charge -- the underlying facts are going to be.
—ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Everything from the abilities and systems to learn, the sprawling pantheon of characters and plot threads, and the basic length of the campaign is nearly doubled in scope.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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The monochrome noir look is a default of fashion house designers and global creatives—basic is far from boring in Milan.—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Beautiful clean coal has been a reliable energy source supporting American communities and economic growth for generations.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Since winning the primary in June, Mamdani has taken steps to come toward moderate voters who have been lukewarm in supporting him.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Fall calls for hydration that lingers, scents that feel grounding, and makeup staples that can withstand long, layered days.—
Essence,
Essence,
1 Oct. 2025
-
With Typhoon Ragasa’s landfall in South China last week grounding hundreds of flights in the region, the air cargo capacity crunch briefly sent rates skyrocketing on the Asia-to-Europe trade lane.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ants display rudimentary counting abilities, can understand the concept of zero and make tools.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
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The voice performers — including Thomas Lennon, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villasenor, and Fortune Feimster — are superior to the rudimentary computer animation that probably works better on the small screen.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a Fox Business interview, Carr mentioned that the FTC is contemplating broadening its click-to-cancel rulemaking, asserting his disagreement with the previous administration’s approach to establishing the rule.—
Jordan Green,
Nashville Tennessean,
26 Sep. 2025
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Proposals include creating a statewide framework for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and establishing new loan programs for homebuyers.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In an attempt to help the elementary schooler conquer his fears, Gee picked him up and tossed him into the water below.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
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As children grow, Pre-Performing Arts and Fundamentals programs introduce preschool and elementary students to ballet foundations, tap rhythms, musical theatre vocabulary, and the joy of ensemble work.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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New research found that the technology underpinning a slew of artificial intelligence models is now advanced enough to pass even the most difficult – Level III – mock exams in a matter of minutes.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
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That’s one of the prime questions underpinning Lucrecia Martel’s documentary Nuestra Tierra (Landmarks), which just screened at the Camden International Film Festival in Maine, following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and North American premiere at TIFF.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The robust programming helped BIFF achieve its highest attendance in recent years, reinforcing the festival’s position as a crucial launchpad for Asian cinema even as the Korean industry grapples with unprecedented challenges.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
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The system guarantees a retaliatory response in the event of nuclear attack, reinforcing deterrence.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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