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
Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
With only 19 similar events in the past 25 years, this rarity is significant, offering potential new insights into the underlying phenomena.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Apr. 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
Nickel said that doesn’t mean the underlying challenges in the European relationship with China are gone overnight.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025
With only 19 similar events in the past 25 years, this rarity is significant, offering potential new insights into the underlying phenomena.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Apr. 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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At first glance, the looks follow the same basic pattern: pants, a T-shirt, and a blazer.—
Marilú Almaguer,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
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The challenges of protecting a world-famous trans daughter aside, Wade is trying to navigate the basic father-teen dynamics.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 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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The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Taurus Season begins on April 19th, bringing a soft, grounding energy to your communication sector.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
13 Apr. 2025
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Collectively, the trio brings depth and heart to G20, grounding its explosive stakes in something universally human—family.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Instead of making something miraculous out of rudimentary materials, Government Cheese has a pantry of fine ingredients but never puts together anything palatable.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Apr. 2025
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This enables the system to plan novel action sequences to achieve specified goals—a rudimentary form of reasoning and planning.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To increase your chances of getting into REM on time, experts recommended establishing a healthy overall sleep routine.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Health,
6 Feb. 2025
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To achieve military domination, you'll be tasked with forcefully establishing your Ideology and your empire around the globe.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Go Nuts For Reading program encourages elementary and middle school students to participate in an eight-book reading challenge at the beginning of the year, leading to free game tickets and a visit from the squirrel mascots, Nutzy and Nutasha.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
9 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 25 Apr. 2025.
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