1
as in supported
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in grounded
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlay
There are unresolved tensions in Williams’s script that could use some pressure, like the way Cephus’s seeming nostalgia exists alongside his acknowledgment of segregation, or how economic realities underlay his journey north (and only a deus ex machina allows his return to the South).
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024
Chris Messina steals scenes as unhinged, foul-mouthed agent David Falk, while Jason Bateman underlays his straight-man deadpan with subtle emotion as Rob Strasser.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2023
Still, the split is so contentious here many are now questioning whether the prior sense of unity was a mirage, as events underlay how cultural clashes can flourish even in towns otherwise politically homogenous.
—Tim Craig, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
Sometimes rapid drumming underlaid the chant-singing.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for underlay 
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024
Chris Messina steals scenes as unhinged, foul-mouthed agent David Falk, while Jason Bateman underlays his straight-man deadpan with subtle emotion as Rob Strasser.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 11 July 2023
Still, the split is so contentious here many are now questioning whether the prior sense of unity was a mirage, as events underlay how cultural clashes can flourish even in towns otherwise politically homogenous.
—Tim Craig, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
Sometimes rapid drumming underlaid the chant-singing.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for underlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlay
Verb
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The Barron Park Donkey Project, which is supported almost entirely by donations and volunteers, raised money on Perry’s 30th birthday to help cover medical costs of the park’s three donkeys.—
Sara Ruberg,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2025
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This may sound like a tall order, but many brands, businesses and even philanthropies are already working toward this future through the Fashion Climate Fund, created by the Apparel Impact Institute and supported by the Schmidt Family Foundation.—
Lewis Perkins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Similarly, a period of strong gains is a time to stay grounded and ensure that your strategy remains sound.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Planes affected by rapid ice accumulation often stay grounded and are then treated with specialized fluids that melt ice and frost.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As Reuters reports, Indonesia's Ministry of Industry has upheld its ban on the iPhone 16 because Apple has yet to meet its domestic content rules.—
Jibin Joseph,
PCMAG,
8 Jan. 2025
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Other coalitions are arguing the ban should be upheld, including former national security officials, former officials at the Federal Communications Commission and activist groups that advocate on behalf of the Uyghur people, people in Hong Kong and others against the Chinese government.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Buffett established the nonprofit charity in 1995.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
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Traditionally, access to these roles required specific training or proximity to urban hubs where such industries were already established.—
Pandwe Gibson,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, the company has since reinforced its long-term commitment to the country and made great efforts to restore its standing in the local market.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
6 Jan. 2025
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But the windows were replaced, reinforced and cleaned up.—
Mary Clare Jalonick,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And above all else, buying bitcoin has to be predicated on the belief that demand will continue to rise.—
Taesik Yoon,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
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The prospect seems an unusual one for websites predicated on the idea of human-to-human interaction.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
30 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near underlay
Cite this Entry
“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlay. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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