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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underlying
Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
But the underlying sentiment on her sign, comparing anti-trans legislation to segregation, had come up before at the state level.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Max Zahn, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025
The story caused outrage, but the underlying issue remains unchanged.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
In at least two-thirds of those cases, COVID-19 was listed as the underlying cause of death.
—Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
But the underlying sentiment on her sign, comparing anti-trans legislation to segregation, had come up before at the state level.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
In recent months, hiring slowed sharply while a measure of underlying inflation ticked up.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025
The story caused outrage, but the underlying issue remains unchanged.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
-
Interior trims range from basic to luxurious, but all feature easy to use controls, physical switches and dials for key functions and one of the auto industry’s best touch screens and infotainment systems.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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For foot passengers who don’t mind simple accommodation, fares for a basic cabin typically range from $35—$75 per person.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For decades, the CDC has been the backbone of global health partnerships, supporting Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola and now COVID-19.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards was ejected by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after grounding out in the first inning.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
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Each of these areas of my life plays a key role and contributes to my sense of purpose and normalcy, grounding me, especially when everything feels unsettled.—
Revathi Advaithi,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Those humans who were good at it, even in its most rudimentary forms, would have a real advantage.—
Elissa Strauss,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
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But most users do not yet have passkeys on their accounts and still rely on passwords, perhaps with some rudimentary form of 2FA.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Oz aired for six seasons, establishing HBO as a home for serious adult dramas, and establishing Winters’s screen image, as well — that captivating blend of menace and vulnerability.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
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The risk with this approach is that Harvard would live to fight another day, but become complicit in establishing a precedent that goes against the fundamental rights inherent in our democracy.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Two of the leaders of Sticks & Sprouts gave a status update on the potential mud-and-water project for the patch of dirt next to the elementary-school playground.—
Charlotte Alter,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Catherine Ament of Rolling Prairie, near LaPorte, was studying to be an elementary teacher.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As per Nasdaq the algorithms underpinning the tool has been tailored to identify and report potentially suspicious trading patterns specific to cryptoassets, helping to enable real-time analytics and crackdowns on bad actors.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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The incentives underpinning staking mechanisms are often subtle but powerful.—
Mark R. Weaver,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For the evening, the top priority remains the east flank of the fire, reinforcing fire lines made during previous shifts and preparing for potential strategic firing operations by removing snags.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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