UNDERLIE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

underlie

verb

Definition of underlie

as in to support

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

Relevance

as in to establish

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of underlie If the solution isn’t to migrate 70% of the web to a new programming language, then fixing its underlying problems – and all the other software problems in the world – would hardly be an easy fix, either. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Capital Economics economist Hamad Hussain said the reserve release could lower diesel prices temporarily, but would not resolve the underlying supply crunch. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 In many instances, a nature lead might find that their underlying motivation is at odds with their employer’s, causing friction and making their — suddenly outsized — remit difficult to fulfil. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability protection when claims exceed the limits of underlying policies. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie

Verb

More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Petersen’s research established the concept of mild cognitive impairment, which lies between healthy cognitive aging and dementia.

— Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Beyond payment speed, Mastercard is also looking to incorporate blockchain and identity data to establish the same level of trust expected across other payment systems, Driver said.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of establish

Verb

Courts have reached different conclusions, and state governments want the Supreme Court to uphold their right to impose restrictions on prediction-market gambling.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
The decision upheld the constitutionality of the state's governmental immunity law as applied to wrongful death claims, which Stewart said are barred against governmental entities when the injury arises from a third-party assault or battery.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of uphold

Verb

Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Kim Yo Jong, widely viewed as the second most powerful official in Pyongyang, made the statement after visiting frontline areas where soldiers are reinforcing the border.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforce

Verb

During captive-carry testing, engineers can assess equipment carried by an aircraft before proceeding to more demanding flight demonstrations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
For airlines, the larger plane offers a way to carry more passengers on a single flight, potentially lowering costs per seat.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

The president has, at times, directed his campaign of retribution toward the advocacy groups underpinning civil society.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
That emphasis on people, not just the solutions themselves, also underpins the Global Change Award, which prioritizes developing the changemaker behind each concept, Dolva said.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of underpin

Browse Nearby Words

underlay

underlie

underlies

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlie

verb

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