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

While Michigan appears to be the epicenter, and two people with serious underlying medical conditions have died there, US officials are investigating multiple outbreaks with a variety of potential sources. — Bloomberg, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2026 This financing reflects our focus on supporting experienced operators developing essential infrastructure with strong underlying economics and measurable environmental benefits. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

If successful, the collaboration would allow financial institutions to settle transactions with stablecoins, while keeping the underlying assets connected to the traditional financial system. — Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 These digital assets and the underlying technology behind them are forcing investigators and financial institutions to become more sophisticated in tracing this illicit activity. — Mitchell Silber, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

Closure of the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas once passed, has driven up the price of fuel and basic goods far beyond the region, roiling the global economy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
That said, meeting the basic standard for forgiveness also involves satisfying several other important requirements, too.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

Campbell is another newcomer with only one previous credit, a supporting role in the 2025 drama Late Fame, starring Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Friends of the Orland Park Public Library is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers who are dedicated to supporting the library through advocacy and raising money.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

Punk struggled to get Rhodes up for the GTS with his bad knee, and Rhodes returned to grounding Punk by targeting his knee.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Emphasizing that any drone can be a threat in a restricted area, the FBI referred to an incident last year during the LA fires when a man flew his drone into a Super Scooper water dropping airship, grounding it for five days.

— Tom Wait, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of grounding

Verb

Earnings are booming A strong earnings backdrop was already underpinning the bull case for many investors this year, but the second quarter results have been positively explosive.

— Alex Harring,Sean Conlon,Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Its power comes from the base material underpinning the menu – masa, lovingly made by owner and chef Emmanuel Galvan.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of underpinning

Verb

Plants will spend a portion of this window simply establishing their root systems before even attempting production.

— Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026
Those purveyors would handle all sourcing, hiring, and merchandising, and most of all, be responsible, in collaboration with the EDC, for establishing the 30% discounts.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of establishing

Adjective

Teachers and staff from 63 Aurora Public Schools campuses used the resource, including preschool, elementary, middle and high school educators, counselors, therapists and special education staff.

— Tori Mason, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Wilson grew up in Louisiana as the son of a sharecropper and ran away from home with just an elementary education.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of elementary

Verb

The county executive’s chartered responsibilities include overseeing the county’s municipal departments, correcting errors in tax assessments, executing certain contracts, upholding the county charter and representing the county in general.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
There are plenty of people who don't agree with the NCAA upholding a suspension, and the Tennessee administration is high on the list.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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