underbelly

noun

ˈən-dər-ˌbe-lē How to pronounce underbelly (audio)
Definition of underbellynext
1
as in underworld
a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in underside
the side or part facing downward from something the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in back
a vulnerable point the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense

Synonyms & Similar 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 underbelly This uneven wear on the underbelly of a sneaker is a big no-no — prompting wearers to rotate out their running shoes at rapid rates. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Aerial footage showed waves clawing at the underbelly of Malibu's portion of the Pacific Coast Highway. — Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 But the evidence presented during the proceedings still shed new light on social media’s seedy underbelly. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Photos of the snake show a simple scale pattern, dark brown in color with a tan underbelly. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
  1. underworld
  2. underside
  3. back
  4. bottom
  5. soft spot
  6. jugular
Noun
  • Created by Ronan Bennett, the Paramount+ series follows the warring Harrigan and Stevenson families, whose long-running feud threatens to upend London’s criminal underworld.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • When his brother pleads for help, Tariq is pulled back into the London criminal underworld and the dangerous orbit of their crime boss mother.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of underworld
Noun
  • Whether that all becomes quick and routine largely depends on dark ceramic tiles covering Starship’s underside.
    — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Screws Before getting your cash out, make sure to turn the furniture over and check out its underside.
    — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of underside
Noun
  • While most of the system’s weight rests on its clear base, it is held upright by an adjustable stand that connects near the top of the system’s back panel and extends outward to form an A-frame ladder.
    — Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ground and pound While the Tigers’ rushing attack struggled, the Hurricanes turned to the running backs to ice the game.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of back
Noun
  • The highly concentrated Cleaning Solution uses 100% natural ingredients – just two spurts are enough for a top-to-bottom clean.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Balance out the slimmer fit of the bottom of your outfit with a roomy sweater.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of bottom
Noun
  • But after a career in Kansas City that produced one of the most prolific offenses that the NFL had ever seen, a Chiefs reunion doesn’t sound all too bad for those with a soft spot for that side of the ball.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Avoid using onions with any soft spots, sprouts, or signs of decay or discoloration.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of soft spot
Noun
  • Becerra goes for the jugular against Hilton by invoking Huntington Beach!
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Even Rodrigo, the almost too-good student who should make a mess someday, went total sprite, toying with everyone’s jugular.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of jugular

Browse Nearby Words

underbellies
underbelly
underbodies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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