UNDERLING Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

underling

noun

ˈən-dər-liŋ

Definition of underling

as in subordinate

one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details

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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 underling But the occupant of the Oval Office doesn’t want his underlings engaging in self-promotion and vindictive lawsuits. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 Once a long-suffering underling to Streep’s Priestly, her fortunes have now dramatically reversed. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 Even Trump himself—with his garbled speech and incoherent ramblings—makes his underlings seem more credible by comparison. — Sarah Longwell, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026 This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling

Noun

The supporting figures are colorful enough, though Akkabi’s sneering chief villain arguably makes less of an impression than his subordinates.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
Almost all the coverage of this story has focused on who knew what, and when, about Sherrone Moore’s affair with a subordinate.

— Jason Kirk, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

Daniel isn’t this devil’s only minion; Armand’s got an Illumination movie’s worth of cronies doing his bidding.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
In my view, we are no longer respected by our foreign allies, the poor are getting poorer, and his wealthy minions are getting richer at our expense.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Definition of minion

Browse Nearby Words

underlines

underling

underlings

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“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underling

noun

Example Sentences

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