underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
Definition of underlyingnext
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
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. 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
Jim said the heavy spending reflects strong underlying demand rather than excess capacity. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 9 July 2026 This is a clear example of how technology enables equipment upgrades without needing to rip and replace the underlying hardware asset. — Amit Chaturvedy, Fortune, 8 July 2026
Verb
Cramer, however, questioned whether the moves accurately reflected the companies' underlying outlooks. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 15 July 2026 If a developer spends hours prompting without understanding the underlying failure, the team may end up with code that functions temporarily but remains fragile. — Ishraq Khan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
  1. basic
  2. supporting
  3. grounding
  4. rudimentary
  5. underpinning
  6. establishing
  7. elementary
  8. upholding
Adjective
  • The first level of that trio is the most basic and familiar, a main floor that starts at a front lounge that brings the driver's area into the fold by way of swiveling cab seats.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • The airline reported higher revenue for premium, corporate and no-frills basic economy tickets, as well as rising unit revenue for both domestic and international trips.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of basic
Verb
  • Protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber still play an important role in supporting muscle health, energy levels and digestion.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Proceeds from Art+Film are funneled to LACMA’s focus to make film central to the museum’s curatorial program while also supporting its broader mission with exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programming and more.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of supporting
Verb
  • The footage opens with fortress-like coastal imagery before moving into large-scale period sets, suggesting the film will have the epic scope of Hugo’s story while grounding it in a raw visual language.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 July 2026
  • Jo Adell stranded two runners in the fourth by grounding into an inning-ending double play, and Josh Lowe was left on second base after doubling in the fifth and eighth innings.
    — Doug Miller, Oc Register, 30 June 2026
Definition of grounding
Adjective
  • This association with high status, as well as a rudimentary analysis of the size of the bones, led archaeologists to conclude that the burial belonged to a man.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The animation is often rudimentary, particularly in outer-space scenes that are effectively a cut-out of a starship being dragged across a stellar background.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Verb
  • One consequence of the equations underpinning that theory was the possibility of a singularity, a point at which the equations of general relativity go to infinity.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026
  • Attracting margin players With the artificial intelligence trade underpinning the latest multi-year bull run, it’s likely drawn a lot of margin players into the market, Opsal added.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of underpinning
Verb
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • As a bonus, those seasons are ideal for planting a replacement shrub or re-establishing a lawn if it is damaged during the shrub removal.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of establishing
Adjective
  • Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • It was hit and miss, but overall those bookshelves were like the world itself, stretchy enough to accommodate, across decades, both a middle-aged lawyer and his elementary-school granddaughter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Verb
  • Alford also commented on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the long-standing interpretation that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Last year, the Supreme Court struck its first blow against transgender rights by upholding a Tennessee law banning transgender care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for minors.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining
underlying
undermine
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Cite this Entry

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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