UNDERLING Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

underling

noun

ˈən-dər-liŋ

Definition of underling

as in subordinate

one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details

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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 underling Once a long-suffering underling to Streep’s Priestly, her fortunes have now dramatically reversed. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 The film isn’t interested in the ethical issues of a boss sleeping with her underling or how exactly Jackie garnered such a vexing reputation. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026 This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026 France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival gets underway this weekend with Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, the latest movie devoted to the mischievous army of yellow underlings first introduced in 2010 breakout Despicable Me. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for underling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling

Noun

Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman and Commissioner John Herbst took issue with her leadership, accusing her of being dismissive to subordinates and ruffling too many feathers.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Put simply, the theory says the president should be able to issue orders to subordinates and to fire them at will.

— Graham G. Dodds, The Conversation, 30 June 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

And so does Jesse — particularly the latest installment, which sees the iconic henchmen find themselves as accidental stars in 1920s Hollywood.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Now, Lilith must team up with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) to fight biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods on an epic quest to save the kingdom, but most importantly, their relationship.

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of henchman

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underlines

underling

underlings

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“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of underling

noun

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