underlie

verb

Definition of underlienext
1
as in to support
to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

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2
as in to establish
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea) The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.

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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 The underlying transactions have to be organized and labeled so the system can tell what’s authoritative and what’s just a reference point. — Salvatore Lombardo, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The approach could allow improvements to the underlying AI model to benefit different types of robots rather than being tied to a single humanoid platform. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 Dermatologists will push back on overpromising while endorsing the underlying practice. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 But the underlying dynamics of peer influence can help shift group norms from protecting group members by staying silent to stepping in to prevent bad behavior. — Catherine A. Sanderson, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
  1. support
  2. establish
  3. steady
  4. ground
  5. uphold
  6. reinforce
  7. carry
  8. underpin
Verb
  • SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operated by the USN as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI supporting an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That is an extraordinarily broad claim, and current evidence does not support it.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Lafayette 148 will open its first Dallas boutique at NorthPark Center Tuesday, establishing a dedicated presence in the 30-year-old brand’s top five markets.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of establish
Verb
  • How do you — not as an anthropologist and not as a filmmaker, but as a human — steady yourself through witnessing something like this?
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Before your passions reach a high note, center on calming thoughts to steady yourself.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of steady
Verb
  • Later, Mars trines Neptune in your 4th House, making home, family, or familiar comforts especially grounding.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, engineering challenges such as thermal management and structural lifespan have historically kept them grounded.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of ground
Verb
  • The Missouri Supreme Court upheld that ban earlier this year in a unanimous ruling that allowed the state to continue prohibiting the procedures.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Their death sentences were upheld by Iran's Supreme Court before being carried out Wednesday morning.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of uphold
Verb
  • The experience reinforced her belief that Vancouver has plenty of animation talent, but still needs more infrastructure for independent creators.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of reinforce
Verb
  • An ammunition depot was hit, as were a bulk carrier in the Chornomorsk port carrying dual-use goods and port infrastructure in Izmail, the ministry said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As the hundreds of thousands of people made their way down the narrow roads following the politician, a few rerouted into the industry event, still carrying big flags and with faces lit up with hope.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • And among recent film offerings are movie shot locally as the Garden State enjoys a Hollywood production boom underpinned by film tax credits and other state incentives and local hires.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Its relationship with Argentina, for instance—which had helped underpin four decades of regional stability—has deteriorated to the point that neither country has an ambassador in the other’s capital.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of underpin

Browse Nearby Words

underlay
underlie
underlies
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Cite this Entry

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

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