underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī 
underlay
ˌən-dər-ˈlā
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
Examples of underlie in a Sentence
A tile floor underlies the rug.
The river is underlain by limestone.
We discussed the principles that underlay their methods.
A theme of revenge underlies much of her writing.
Recent Examples on the Web
While the challenges are different, the underlying questions are surprisingly familiar.
—
Ashok N. Srivastava,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
The underlying package also remains compatible with the upcoming PCIe Gen6 specification, allowing future products to adopt faster interfaces without requiring an entirely new storage design.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
While the underlying technology remains deeply impressive, the issue is structural.
—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The stark disagreements over the moral values underlying our legal tradition are no reason for liberals to disavow a moral approach to legal interpretation.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
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.
Ashok N. Srivastava,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
The underlying package also remains compatible with the upcoming PCIe Gen6 specification, allowing future products to adopt faster interfaces without requiring an entirely new storage design.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
While the underlying technology remains deeply impressive, the issue is structural.
—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The stark disagreements over the moral values underlying our legal tradition are no reason for liberals to disavow a moral approach to legal interpretation.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
