1
as in supports
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
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Relevance
2
as in grounds
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlies
By contrast, her father’s hypervigilance also underlies the narrative.
—
Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Spending underlies the fiber buildout and connectivity companies like Lumentum , Coherent , and portfolio holding Corning.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 May 2026
Separate research from the University of California, Riverside found that routine microplastic exposure accelerated the formation of atherosclerosis, the artery-narrowing condition that underlies most heart attacks and strokes.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
The quiet efficiency that underlies everything tends to preserve energy levels, which is a critical, albeit understated ingredient in Emery’s success in European competitions throughout his managerial career.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The technique that made Cassie run—training it in physics simulations—likely underlies the capability of robots like Lightning as well.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Spending underlies the fiber buildout and connectivity companies like Lumentum , Coherent , and portfolio holding Corning.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 May 2026
Separate research from the University of California, Riverside found that routine microplastic exposure accelerated the formation of atherosclerosis, the artery-narrowing condition that underlies most heart attacks and strokes.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
The quiet efficiency that underlies everything tends to preserve energy levels, which is a critical, albeit understated ingredient in Emery’s success in European competitions throughout his managerial career.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The technique that made Cassie run—training it in physics simulations—likely underlies the capability of robots like Lightning as well.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
While some people claim lemon juice and olive oil can detoxify your body, improve digestion, treat kidney stones and joint pain, and prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease, no evidence supports these health claims.—
Michelle Pugle,
Verywell Health,
19 May 2026
-
The sales tax supports economic development projects in the city’s East Side, specifically between Ninth Street and Gregory Boulevard to the north and south, and Indiana Avenue and The Paseo to the east and west.—
Dylan Lysen
May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
But at the center of it all is Navarrette, whose fearless turn grounds the film’s shocking premise in something both heartbreaking and haunting.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
-
His work grounds the supernatural in the everyday, drawn from real-world terrors.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
In addition to the weekly shows and game coverage, the partnership also establishes a joint year-round collaboration focused on community initiatives that serve Southern California.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
This establishes a safe zone called the Learned Homing Area.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Success reinforces the structure.—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Research on dark patterns reinforces that concern.—
Gregory M. Dickinson,
The Conversation,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The dirty little secret most insiders either don’t realize or do not want to admit is that the entire TV eco-system rests on the shoulders of these networks.—
Ted Linhart,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
The strongest case for these clinics rests on early detection.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
He shifts gears seasonally and bases it on what’s fresh.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The committee bases its rate decisions on economic data and its best assessment of how many factors – eg, fiscal policy and geopolitical events – may affect both inflation and employment.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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