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
Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
The underlying numbers were even more worrying.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Charles de Gaulle’s ghost The phrase itself is newer than many people realize, even if the underlying logic is not.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
Further scientific investigation is needed to confirm the findings and to account for other underlying risk factors, such as certain stomach infections, which could interact with dietary habits.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
The underlying numbers were even more worrying.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
Perps are a type of futures contract that let investors speculate on an asset’s price without an expiration date and utilizing leverage, without ever owning the underlying asset.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Charles de Gaulle’s ghost The phrase itself is newer than many people realize, even if the underlying logic is not.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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While Dunn estimates around 30% of their work focused on the Ebola response, the rest was basic healthcare and health education with clinic staff.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
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The capsule-wardrobe basic boasts a chic oversized fit, ruched cuffs, and an always-in pinstriped pattern.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Let’s remember the wisdom of our leaders in supporting the humanitarian aid that gave people a chance to rebuild from the war.—
William Lambers,
Hartford Courant,
6 June 2026
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Others are hemorrhaging money from divorce, supporting adult children or overextended on mortgage debt.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Its boutique spa spotlights Farmaesthetics, award-winning face and body treatments that emphasize organic botanicals and grounding massage techniques.—
Judith Garrison,
AJC.com,
9 June 2026
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There is something incredibly grounding about building a product not in isolation, but in deep collaboration with the people and places that have shaped it for generations.—
Rebecca Cope,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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But the filmic quality of the album lies less in any conventionally cinematic progression and more in Rossetto’s ability to imbue even the most rudimentary sounds with vivid detail and perspective.—
Levi Dayan,
Pitchfork,
9 June 2026
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Stalled by the pandemic, the festival’s inaugural edition took place in Jeddah’s Al-Balad old city neighborhood in 2021 with a make-shift cinema, rudimentary industry hub and a smattering of A-list guests and has since grown into one of the biggest film festivals in the Middle East.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
6 June 2026
Verb
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To be sure, the bank's traders remain confident that the forces underpinning the stock market continue to be healthy, thanks to strong corporate earnings and an improving macroeconomy.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
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Applying terrorism designations to criminal syndicates, Brazilian officials say, conflicts with domestic legal definitions and risks blurring distinctions underpinning international counterterrorism law.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Charged with establishing the firm as one of the more disruptive in the SE.—
Dean Trevelino,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
The Geneva Accords of 1954, the international agreements that ended the First Indochina War, divided Vietnam by establishing the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), running north of the Bến Hải River.—
Pavlo Fedykovych,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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Superintendent Wayne Walters said the Future Ready Facilities Plan is designed to create a more consistent experience by shifting to clearer elementary, middle and high school models and expanding access to art, music, STEM and world languages.—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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Even with some flaws, the Camp Snap 2 just might be the perfect camera for older elementary students and tweens, and earns our Editors' Choice award for its simplicity, low cost, and fun factor.—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2026
Verb
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There are no majorities for anything, least of all for upholding the rights of the freed slaves in the South.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
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The murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson On December 12, 1998, a 21-year-old Lee walked into Jimmy’s Pawn Shop in Orville, Alabama, according to a 2013 federal appeals ruling upholding his conviction and sentence.—
Nina Giraldo,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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