Synonyms of underlying

underlying 1 of 2

adjective

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

• basic
• fundamental
• rudimentary
• elementary
• introductory
• elemental
• essential
• basal
• beginning
• rudimental
• simple
• primary
• meat-and-potatoes
• preliminary
• primordial
• primal
• prime
• abecedarian
• key
• primeval
• uncomplicated
• important
• primitive
• crucial
• preparatory
• crude
• rude

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• complex
• advanced
• sophisticated
• higher
• extensive
• intricate
• complicated
• detailed
• elaborate
• high
• evolved
• convoluted
• developed
• refined

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• complex
• advanced
• sophisticated
• higher
• extensive
• intricate
• complicated
• detailed
• elaborate
• high
• evolved
• convoluted
• developed
• refined

See More

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie

1

as in supporting

to lie underneath

A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supporting
• underpinning
• steadying
• upholding
• carrying
• undergirding
• trussing
• sustaining
• bearing
• bolstering
• bracing
• buttressing
• staying
• shoring (up)
• propping (up)

2

as in grounding

to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)

The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grounding
• supporting
• establishing
• reinforcing
• basing
• predicating
• establishing
• backing
• bolstering
• buttressing
• resting
• corroborating
• confirming
• proving
• verifying
• validating
• premising
• reenforcing
• affirming
• substantiating
• hanging
• contributing (to)
• conducing (to)
• postulating
• founding
• presupposing
• assuming
• presuming
• supposing
• shoring (up)
• avouching

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undermining
• weakening
• undercutting

• undermining
• weakening
• undercutting