as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in supporting
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Related Words
2
as in grounding
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of underlying
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
When a series concludes, fans might search for an underlying point or what the creators hoped to say.
—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Caitlin Hewes,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Even a kidney transplant only delayed the inevitable, because the underlying condition wasn't being treated.
—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The underlying matters will be discussed and approved in the respective committees.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
When a series concludes, fans might search for an underlying point or what the creators hoped to say.
—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Verb
Rather than holding a new model in place through effort, organizations should redesign the underlying mechanics so the new behaviors become the path of least resistance.
—
Caitlin Hewes,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Even a kidney transplant only delayed the inevitable, because the underlying condition wasn't being treated.
—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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From bold color contrast to sheer layering and retro prints, caftans can be styled far beyond a basic beach coverup.
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The lawsuit comes as consumers report struggling to afford basic necessities.
Verb
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In a recent interview on PEOPLE in 10, Chloe opened up about supporting Halle at a screening for her You, Me & Tuscany rom-com in April.
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Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie will be honored during ESPYS week in July with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award for his work supporting the global autism community.
Verb
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Center fielder Jakob Marsee put the Marlins ahead with an RBI single before second baseman Xavier Edwards drove in another run while grounding into a double play.
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In a recent interview, Jenny Bates Heaton, new Tedx speaker and a former Fortune 500 organizational development executive, shared how grounding individual and systemic decisions in authentic values can revolutionize the corporate ecosystem.
Adjective
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The outpost may resemble something of a rudimentary city on the moon.
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The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend.
Verb
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But liberals should have confidence in meeting those fears with arguments about natural-law principles of equality and dignity underpinning our legal tradition.
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Strong demand from the data center building boom and the electrification of everything is underpinning one side of the copper-price equation while mine incidents and accidents (outages) have put a lid on supply growth.
Verb
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Netanyahu said that Israel is allowing the Lebanese army to begin preparing to take control of territory, while the Israeli military is establishing two pilot zones.
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The Gateway space station planned for lunar orbit was also canceled in favor of a stronger focus on establishing a base on the moon's surface.
Adjective
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Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
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Biblical texts on the list include a picture-book adaptation of the David and Goliath story for elementary students and passages about Adam and Eve for older students.
Verb
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Impeaching judges, sterilizing foreign visitors, dissolving the union – some prominent conservatives suggested extreme measures could be called for in the wake of a Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship.
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The global brand is very focused on wellness, and this property is steadfast in upholding the theme.
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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