1
as in underworlds
a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream
unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in undersides
the side or part facing downward from something
the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in backs
a vulnerable point
the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of underbellies
Cashmere is expensive because these goats produce a limited amount of this precious fiber, found on their underbellies, and the process of obtaining the wool is labor-intensive.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbellies
Noun
-
When the gang comes to the attention of Major Chester Campbell, a DCI in the Royal Irish Constabulary, the wheels are set in motion for adventures through the dangerous underworlds of early 20th-century Britain.—
Connor Sturges,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
-
For Aronofsky, the city’s ethnic blend has no special claim on virtue; there seem to be as many criminal underworlds as there are demographic groups.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
To achieve their audacious goals, the fish use hook-like growths on the undersides of both their pectoral and pelvic fins to push themselves upward.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Even plants with dark red or purple undersides — indoor plants such as Calatheas and Marantas come to mind — thrive in environments with limited light.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But against Texas, a team that had dominated them during the regular season, the Bruins did all the counting as the Longhorns lay flat on their backs during an eventual knockout.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Last year’s captain, Aaron Long, is also on track to bolster a strong contingent of center backs.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And the Durand, in which the eggs are first mixed with mushrooms and artichoke bottoms that have been warmed in butter; at the end, the omelet is rolled around asparagus tips and surrounded by a tomato glaze.—
Jeffrey Steingarten,
Vogue,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Each batch spans big-name brands and underrated labels alike and includes tops, bottoms, bags, matching sets, shoes, and beyond.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Signs such as cracks in the foundation or holes from soft spots in the walls, ceilings, or floors are all signs that moisture has been sitting in your home for a while and turned into mold.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Choose strawberries that are brightly colored, without mold or soft spots.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Once Woll’s bratty vamp was through draining jugulars, the actress found a second signature role as Karen Page on Marvel’s Daredevil (2015–2018).—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Does the bazaar allow for chinks in the kind of class barriers that would usually exist?—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
-
But after the break, the Americans started to find some chinks in the English armour.—
Peter Carline,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underbellies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbellies. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
