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
Annette Bakker, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
By sector, Morris believes Disney’s headline success masks some underlying weaknesses.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Director Yunsung Kang pointed to a deeper structural tension between traditional filmmaking practices and emerging AI technologies, suggesting that the challenge extends beyond tools to the underlying logic of production itself.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The underlying data exists — but industry buy-in is needed to validate and organize it.
—Annette Bakker, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
By sector, Morris believes Disney’s headline success masks some underlying weaknesses.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
As Wamhoff observed, there’s a certain amount of superficial logic underlying the argument that inflation in effect raises the tax rate charged on capital gains — the profits investors pocket from increases in the value of their stocks and bonds over time.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Director Yunsung Kang pointed to a deeper structural tension between traditional filmmaking practices and emerging AI technologies, suggesting that the challenge extends beyond tools to the underlying logic of production itself.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Its roughly 50 residents rely on weekday flights for mail and many of their basic supplies, from groceries to Amazon deliveries of everyday household items.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
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But their basic goals — the establishment of a caliphate and the strict implementation of sharia law — have been constant.—
Obi Anyadike,
semafor.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It’s made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, a humectant-rich ingredient known for calming irritation, fading post-acne marks, and supporting skin repair.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
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The As Ever founder stepped out for a surprise Paris Fashion Week appearance, supporting her friend Pierpaolo Piccioli at his Balenciaga debut swathed in a dramatic white cape.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Think sound healing, herbarium workshops, refreshing facials and light, grounding bodywork sessions that introduce pressure points and the restoration of natural energy flow.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Mar. 2026
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An original soundtrack will accompany the release, further grounding the film in L’s sonic legacy.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The puppetry, rudimentary special effects, and unflattering costumes mark it as a distinctly Adult Swim show.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
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Yet standard neurological imaging, such as MRI scans, almost never detects abnormalities, and most physicians, who understand the symptoms’ basis in only the most rudimentary sense, can offer little useful counsel.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The novel does a better job than, say, Armageddon in establishing why a non-astronaut would be in space.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2026
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After several weeks in which the only aid received by Cuba came from Mexico, which sent food and hygiene products on three occasions, activists and leaders in other countries began establishing support groups and collecting donations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
According to DeKalb officials, only 83% of elementary seats and 79% of middle school seats were filled during the 2024 to 2025 school year.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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The movement to ban or severely restrict screen time learning for elementary-age students comes as nearly 40 states have passed legislation to prohibit or restrict cellphone use in schools, including California, which passed a law that will take effect in July.—
Kate Sequeira,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But there’s an irresistible spirit of youthful exuberance underpinning it all.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
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In fact, the mathematics underpinning Albert Einstein's theories of relativity offer up possibilities via the likes of wormholes and curved spacetime that might allow someone — or more likely something — to make a journey back into the past.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Company can further refine the reactor’s safety framework The agreement builds on earlier arrangements between Oklo and the Department of Energy, reinforcing collaboration aimed at accelerating innovative nuclear technologies.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Mar. 2026
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California legislators on Tuesday voiced their support for Senate Bill 872 — a bill aimed at reinforcing Delta levees and the State Water Project by directing $300 million annually to the state’s water infrastructure upgrades and repairs.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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