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
The most caustic people in the world often have the softest underbellies — at least if Alden Ehrenreich is playing them.
—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
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
Humpbacks congregate here, creating pufflike splashes on the horizon and flashing their fins and underbellies at all distances.
—
Darrell Hartman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Aug. 2021
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
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
Humpbacks congregate here, creating pufflike splashes on the horizon and flashing their fins and underbellies at all distances.
—
Darrell Hartman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Aug. 2021
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.
-
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.
Noun
-
The ballista spider spends its days lurking in webs on the undersides of leaves in the rainforests of north Queensland, Australia.
-
New leaves become cupped and turn pale green, the leaf edges turn yellow, and the undersides of the leaves may turn purplish.
Noun
-
After the €60million departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, Jorrel Hato is Chelsea’s only senior left-sided option in defence, with Reece James and Malo Gusto as right-backs.
-
But unlike fruit flies, these pests have black eyes (not red), distinctive humped backs, and heavier, thicker-veined wings.
Noun
-
The two-piece features a roomy crewneck pullover, plus oh-so comfy bottoms.
-
Skirts, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, hats, headbands, wristbands and socks must be completely white (allowing for one centimeter of trim).
Noun
-
Avoid pineapples with soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell.
-
Bruised or soft spots can be a sign of rot and can speed up the spoilage of the entire melon.
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).
Noun
-
The result is a fiery and impassioned offering that finds the veteran fully engaged and intent on proving no chinks have been left in his armor despite his tenuous back-and-forth with his Compton counterpart.
-
Does the bazaar allow for chinks in the kind of class barriers that would usually exist?
Cite this Entry
“Underbellies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbellies. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
