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

Microcurrent tools already stimulate underlying muscles, and the next iteration is likely to lean harder on autonomic regulation language. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 The drugmaker said the findings suggest CagriSema may address underlying factors of obesity and diabetes in the brain and multiple organs and tissues, rather than only impacting weight and blood sugar levels. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Verb

But the underlying frustrations with these engines were entirely justified by what unfolded in Malaysia. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 The investment comes as Helix seeks to address growing competition in the AI infrastructure market by targeting both data center deployment and the underlying power infrastructure needed to support it. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

But the pueblo blanco of Casares makes a good day trip, though meals are on the basic side in the town’s restaurants and cafes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

Ahead of the premiere’s conclusion, Variety exclusively reported that Neon’s awards campaign for the film will include Garfield and Rylance competing in the supporting actor category and Borisov campaigning in lead actor.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Service is low-key but practical, with staff supporting both wellness programming and basic logistics like airport pickups.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Adjective

That effectively turns the window unit into a rudimentary ground-source heat pump.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
People in New York City looked up in shock and dismay; people everywhere else watched their favorite anchors on old-fashioned television sets and looked for updates on very rudimentary versions of news websites.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Verb

These requirements differ fundamentally from those underpinning most existing data strategies, and the gap is widening faster than leaders realize.

— Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Hammer presents these economic theories as stone-cold truths without acknowledging the rather obvious ideological agenda underpinning his thinking.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

In my view, the government must get ahead of that curve by establishing a full-fledged Department of AI, rather than leaving it to a single individual.

— Yerbol Orynbayev, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
The Trojans beat South Grand Prairie 24-17, establishing themselves as the 8-6A team to beat.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
Saint followed her sister to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and majored in elementary education.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

Kathleen Lord-Jones, an aviation cabin safety expert from Robson Forensic, explained the meticulous process of upholding food safety practices, from kitchen to tray table.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026
And neither were the co-hosts, who felt their fun, feel-good, not-that-serious event was suddenly being accused of upholding white supremacy.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

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

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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