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
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Recent Examples of underbelly
Not all barn owls have white underbellies, however; some have reddish-brown plumage instead.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Roger Ebert famously panned it, though other critics hailed it as a brave and unsparing look at the underbelly of small-town ordinariness.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
It’s been restored from the original camera negative, making the story of Travis Bickle’s journey through the underbelly of New York City grittier and more tactile than ever before.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Ugarte’s love of defending and pure athleticism should help bolster a United side that has had a soft underbelly in recent years.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Roger Ebert famously panned it, though other critics hailed it as a brave and unsparing look at the underbelly of small-town ordinariness.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025
It’s been restored from the original camera negative, making the story of Travis Bickle’s journey through the underbelly of New York City grittier and more tactile than ever before.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Ugarte’s love of defending and pure athleticism should help bolster a United side that has had a soft underbelly in recent years.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
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Described as a figure reminiscent of Robert De Niro's Jimmy the Gent from Goodfellas, the protagonist navigates a turbulent era, battling rival factions to seize control of the Hawaiian underworld.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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The film premieres March 15 at the Roxy Cinema in New York, and stars Dario Yazbek Bernal and Jack Irv as two lovers whose whirlwind romance sends them down a rabbit hole of drugs and depravity in Manhattan’s underworld.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The logo has also increased in size and now appears on the underside of the aircraft.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Look for the reset button on the underside of your garbage disposal.—
Cody Godwin,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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If yes, instead of knotting your bandana headband below your hairline, tie the ends in the back so the top of your head is fully covered with the rest of the kerchief.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Glamour,
13 Mar. 2025
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Born and raised in the Sunset District of San Francisco, Lee was shot four times in the back and jaw, and suffered injuries which left him disabled.—
Kyle Martin,
The Mercury News,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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To prepare frosting, beat honey, butter, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until creamy, about 2 minutes, scraping down bottom and sides of bowl as needed.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
20 Mar. 2025
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The actress was renting a house at the bottom of the Hollywood Hills, and her castmates — Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz, along with a few A-list guest stars — were staging a night shoot at the nearby Chateau Marmont.—
Seija Rankin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Lenny Kravitz has a soft spot for young fans — especially those who share his name!—
Jack Irvin,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
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He's always had a little bit of a soft spot for Johnny in his mind, even if he's done some rough things over the years.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Almost straight from the restart, France pressured Argentina into a hurried clearance, and from there France went straight for the jugular.—
Jonathan Clegg,
WSJ,
18 Dec. 2022
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Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts.—
Charles McNultyTheater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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