1
as in underworld
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 underside
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 back
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 underbelly
This caustic underbelly of the internet has never been closer to the surface.
—
Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
His unabashed depiction of America’s underbelly is super popular in Europe.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Two years ago, Samuel Stockton sat in the underbelly of Ball Arena and cried after a state championship slipped through his fingertips.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026
The original film tells a captivating and fragmented story of Mexico City’s underbelly, exploring the harsh realities of the underworld through three interlocking narratives of hope, betrayal, and revenge.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
His unabashed depiction of America’s underbelly is super popular in Europe.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Two years ago, Samuel Stockton sat in the underbelly of Ball Arena and cried after a state championship slipped through his fingertips.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026
The original film tells a captivating and fragmented story of Mexico City’s underbelly, exploring the harsh realities of the underworld through three interlocking narratives of hope, betrayal, and revenge.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
-
In addition to serving as a showrunner, Levy stars as Nicky, an openly gay pastor who gets wrapped up in a shady underworld plot with his flailing sister Morgan (Taylor Ortega).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Based on the William Lashner novel, Kockroach is the story of a mysterious stranger who takes on New York’s criminal underworld, transforming himself into a larger-than-life crime boss in a city where power is everything.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The fur on the rest of the body is dark to light brown above, with lighter fur on the underside.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The Longhorns again came within striking distance of the lead when Justice Carlton made a put-back jumper and was fouled by Betts for a three-point play opportunity.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
One night, at a house party, John and I ended up in the back yard, drinking beer.—
Jeffrey Eugenides,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But dating back even further to Monday’s home opener against the Twins, the bottom of the Royals’ order reached base safely in 12 straight plate appearances.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Blackhawks scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth, however, to grab the lead for good.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Those with a soft spot for Tory’s dresses will find a variety of enduring options fit for any of the season’s see-and-be-seen scenarios.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Choose strawberries that are brightly colored, without mold or soft spots.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Wolf packs on the hunt encircled their prey—typically elk—clamping at the jugular when their target grew weary from the chase.—
Nidhi Sharma,
Popular Science,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The change added a room where prisoners are to be examined and prepped for either a standard peripheral IV, or a central line — a more invasive procedure that inserts into the internal jugular in the neck, a femoral vein in the upper thigh or a subclavian vein in the chest.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
