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.
Synonyms & Similar 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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlying
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Since the intelligence agencies do not usually bother to debunk such individual bits of false propaganda, the sudden flurry of public notifications indicates the severity of the threat that U.S. spies now see in the underlying Russian plot against the election.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
William Pesek, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
If an underlying condition is causing fingernail ridges, addressing and treating that condition may improve the appearance and texture of your nails.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlying 
Adjective
The Presidential Predictor's underlying principle is straightforward: when the S&P 500 index rises in the final three months before the election, the incumbent party typically remains in office.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Since the intelligence agencies do not usually bother to debunk such individual bits of false propaganda, the sudden flurry of public notifications indicates the severity of the threat that U.S. spies now see in the underlying Russian plot against the election.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Yet then, as now, Beijing did more to address symptoms than the underlying causes.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
If an underlying condition is causing fingernail ridges, addressing and treating that condition may improve the appearance and texture of your nails.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Many readers have told me my booklet has served as a valuable tool in teaching their children basic good manners.Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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These basic tests, combined with age and medical history, are enough to make a clear diagnosis.Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Yet, supporting female entrepreneurs is just one piece of the puzzle.Kath Mackay, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
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The Republic of Serbia is financially supporting the production.Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile, Utopia transports you to the lush landscapes of Madagascar, offering a rich blend of pink pepper leaf, jasmine, and sandalwood that’s both grounding and invigorating.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Oct. 2024
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My expression of kink involves adorning people and myself with ropes, flowers, and jewels — not just to emphasize beauty, but also as a way of grounding and connecting us back to nature.Bae Leche, refinery29.com, 3 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The nonsensical story, intentionally rudimentary special effects, and colorful visuals make House a perfect movie to watch on mute at a bar.Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024
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Some characters observe paper cutouts against moving backdrops via magnifying glass, creating their own rudimentary 3D in the process, at a time when cinema was in its infancy.Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
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That payment is funded by establishing a new $20 fee on criminal convictions.Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 4 Oct. 2024
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Georgia, meanwhile, was making impressive inroads in establishing itself as a tourist destination.Fredric Dannen, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Los Gatos Union School District’s Measure CC is a bond measure that would secure $163 million to improve school facilities at its elementary and middle schools.Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
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Rothenberg Preparatory Academy: This would become a neighborhood Montessori school for elementary students.Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Any lesser achievements prompted stern warnings, reinforcing the idea that feedback equated to failure.Dr. Flo Falayi, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
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During the Antebellum period, Black religions were demonized as evil and dangerous, reinforcing the moral and (white) religious justification for slavery and the arming of white society under the pretense that these spiritual practices posed a threat to the racial social order.Aisha M. Beliso-De Jesús / Made by History, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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This layer is essential for storing large volumes of data, fundamental for future analysis and strategic planning.Greg Kihlstrom, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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There are fundamental values on the line, even beyond democracy — women’s rights, civil rights, the safety of immigrants.Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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