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
Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 17 June 2026
The way a child constructs and engages with the scene can help the therapist explore underlying emotions and unconscious themes.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026
Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Songs from Proof and Most Beautiful Moments in Life will be broken down to explore their deeper meanings and underlying messages.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The auto sector's transition is achievable in part because many of the underlying skills of employees are highly transferable, according to experts.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 17 June 2026
The way a child constructs and engages with the scene can help the therapist explore underlying emotions and unconscious themes.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026
Verb
Large randomized trials testing specific food protocols don’t yet exist, but the hormonal physiology underlying the general framework is well documented.
—Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Songs from Proof and Most Beautiful Moments in Life will be broken down to explore their deeper meanings and underlying messages.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
-
The war displaced most of the Palestinian population of more than 2 million, left large parts of the territory in rubble and created widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies asGaza’s border crossings — all but one controlled by Israel — were shut.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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The Advanced Driver Assistance System is basic lane centering (see video above for more).—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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All proceeds to the sell-out show, which was simulcast on ESPN, benefited the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the MSG non-profit supporting children in need.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
20 June 2026
-
Infantry attempting to move along the front, vehicle convoys transporting supplies, command posts coordinating operations, and artillery units supporting assaults are increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian drone operators who can identify and strike targets with unprecedented speed and precision.—
Hunter LaCroix,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Verb
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But for Chun, Sint Maarten’s connection to history and heritage is deeply grounding.—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
-
For people who feel overwhelmed, restorative shapes can be especially grounding.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Decision makers that prepare themselves with some rudimentary understanding of the types and models of AI, and ask the right questions of the solutions presented to them, are often better positioned to make a difference for their institution.—
Troy Holaday,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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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
Verb
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City officials approved an agreement underpinning the massive plan in 2022, around the same time that Victory — then pitched in a different form as Seasons on the Bench — took shape on farmland next door.—
Mark Dee
June 10,
Idaho Statesman,
10 June 2026
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The vision underpinning the project reflects Karmitz’s belief that cinemas should serve as antidotes to digital isolation.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Onboard mechanical systems convert the kinetic movement of waves into a steady supply of electricity, establishing a continuous power source that functions independently of weather-dependent terrestrial renewables like solar or wind.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
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Worthington spent 14 seasons in the major leagues and appeared in 602 games, establishing himself as one of the premier relief pitchers of his era.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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Speaking of immersive, MacKay and Turner only acquired an elementary grasp of the mechanics of fishing, but that’s by design.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
18 June 2026
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The lawsuit cited the facility's proximity to elementary and middle schools and residential neighborhoods.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The Haitian Bridge Alliance, a rights group that advocates for Haitians immigrants, urged the Supreme Court to reject the government’s ask to end TPS and affirm lower court’s rulings upholding the protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
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Almost every line feels like a dare to consider a deeper meaning than the mad realities of the gold rush and upholding a dying man’s wish.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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