UNDERLYING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ

Definition of underlying

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie

as in supporting

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

as in grounding

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 underlying

Adjective

Second, Gerwig's preferred version of the story seems to purposefully remove the underlying meaning of it, of Lewis' work and the religious influence behind it. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Williams acknowledged the legal complexities but said the underlying principle is straightforward. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

The Wright Flyer stayed airborne for only seconds during its first flight, but the underlying engineering principles helped make powered aviation practical. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 For instance, fatigue, brain fog and body aches can be linked to menopause, fibromyalgia or even an underlying thyroid disorder. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

This is the basic technology that revolutionized US oil a decade ago, and made the country by far the world’s top producer.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The basic problem is that extremely similar lawsuits can be brought in courts in different jurisdictions, which aren’t bound by rulings in other jurisdictions.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

With roaring support from a packed crowd, Macklemore launched his Free Palestine Tour in Ireland’s capital Monday, just over a month after he was controversially dropped as Ed Sheeran’s supporting act.

— Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia have filed an amicus brief supporting New Jersey’s case against Kalshi.

— Josh Appel, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Chourio ended that inning by grounding out on an 11-pitch plate appearance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Featuring a wide range of collaborators, including Travis Scott, Summer Walker, Trina, Quavo and more, the 21-track set finds the City Girls alum grounding a revelatory autobiography in the history and culture of her hometown.

— Kyle Denis, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of grounding

Verb

The $56 million contract signals another step in the development of the industrial and technical framework underpinning AUKUS.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Both systems also offer high-speed connectivity because of the satellite technology underpinning them.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

The first flight will be a milestone in establishing how the design performs beyond the development environment.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
There is overwhelming support among Jewish Israelis for establishing a state commission to investigate the events of October 7th, and for imposing the draft on the ultra-Orthodox.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

Telra Institute, a public charter school in Charlotte, also ranked in the top 20 among local elementary and middle schools.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
In Spain, elementary and secondary schoolteachers began an indefinite strike in Madrid last week to demand better pay and working conditions.

— Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

Courts, however, have ruled otherwise, upholding both Sullivans’ spots on the ballot.

— Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
By contrast, the CJP considers peaceful protest, along with upholding the country’s constitution, essential elements of democracy.

— Amrita Basu, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

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Style

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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