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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of underlying
Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
While multiple sclerosis is currently incurable, identifying its underlying cause can provide new avenues for prevention and treatment.
—Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
At 10/1 odds to win the cup, and with the best underlying numbers of any team left, Bournemouth seem like a worthwhile bet.
—Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
While multiple sclerosis is currently incurable, identifying its underlying cause can provide new avenues for prevention and treatment.
—Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Unfortunately, many people miss out on this valuable option and instead turn to sleep medications, which often fail to address the underlying issues.
—Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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Despite their importance, the basic design of the cask—planks of wood encircled by hoops of metal—has never fundamentally changed.—
Andy Vasoyan,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Complement with a tee, an oversized blouse tucked in, or a basic tank top.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Capricorn’s grounding energy supports turning your reflections into practical insights.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
refinery29.com,
5 Jan. 2025
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For grounding and emotional stability Smoky quartz is a grounding powerhouse that perfectly complements Capricorn’s earthy nature, offering equal amounts of protection and emotional stability.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The adjustable-length stirrups will suit a wide range of riders, holding onto a rudimentary handlebar and sitting on a floating seat unit long enough to take a passenger, and capable of moving independently from the robot's ... butt joints.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Apr. 2025
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Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.—
Jerrold Lundquist,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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By Daniella Gray Family and Parenting Reporter 1 With children as young as 6 months already establishing a digital footprint, parents who opt to keep their kids offline find themselves in the minority.—
Andy Biggs,
Newsweek,
25 Dec. 2024
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In this case, establishing retribution as the motive would be very clear, because Patel has laid out beforehand that in fact is his motive.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The district’s elementary and middle schools were releasing students beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the junior high and high schools were planning to release students starting around 2 p.m.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2025
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Authorities said the two juveniles were elementary and middle school age, Alaska’s News Source reported.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Labor market stamina, marked by low layoffs and strong wage growth are underpinning consumer spending.—
Lucia Mutikani,
USA TODAY,
21 Dec. 2024
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The maker of graphics processing units underpinning large language models has benefited, as data center demand has swollen since ChatGPT’s late-2022 launch.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Finer details on the type of robots being used or their functions have not yet been revealed, but clearly the production of rebar (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, which makes sense since Neom is currently using around 20% of the world's steel supply.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Dec. 2024
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Share how feedback has shaped your leadership journey, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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