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
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
What underlying conditions qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine?
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
They’re shaped by underlying forces, including air pollution in many cases.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The underlying reason for the humidity, according to weather experts and the weather service, has been a marine heat wave — a significant increase in ocean temperature.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
What underlying conditions qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine?
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
The vaccines were approved for use in all adults aged 65 and older and younger Americans with at least one underlying condition.
—ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
They’re shaped by underlying forces, including air pollution in many cases.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sweet almond, cucumber, flaxseed, broccoli, rice bran, rose hip, and radish oils are all present to deliver high-impact antioxidant power, barrier-supporting omega fatty acids, and the healthy radiance of someone who gets their daily serving of greens.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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In 1981, Redford established the Sundance Institute at the site aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, and other artists outside the mainstream Hollywood system.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Prevent this by grounding AI in your documents and adding human review for sensitive content.—
Louis Mosca,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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By grounding their model in decades of motion data, the researchers aim to give engineers clear parameters for replication.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even if partners don’t agree on every single detail pertaining to religion or politics, most healthy couples nevertheless share a rudimentary worldview.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Set in 1994 and kitted out with plenty of period-appropriate details, the film’s setting allows for all sorts of mystery (and one, quite funny, rudimentary internet search).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Union leaders cautiously welcomed the apology, viewing it as a necessary step in establishing trust between Mamdani and law enforcement—a group historically skeptical of his platform.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
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With the help of the courts, these governments disfranchised Black voters, establishing poll taxes, literacy tests, understanding clauses, and other measures to effectively deny them the vote.—
Time,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The nature center also offers adventures for little ones, including a dig pit, a bird blind, easy trails, and programming for toddlers and elementary-aged children.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
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And from January 2023 to June 2024, more than 800 instances of swatting were recorded at elementary, middle, and high schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But there was a booming labor market underpinning that inflation.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
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Other works create entirely new worlds with different assumptions and frameworks underpinning their social and other dynamics.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In 2008, the Second Chance Act extended potential stays from six to twelve months, reinforcing their role in reentry.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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By presenting Manuka honey as a spectrum rather than a one-size offering, Nate’s helps consumers find the right fit for their needs while reinforcing trust in their purchase.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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