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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in supporting
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in grounding
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of underlying
Cj Moore, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
In many cases, treating the underlying cause of bradykinesia can help improve symptoms and overall quality of life.11
Does dementia cause bradykinesia?
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 15 Mar. 2025
Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
Olen’s personnel moves, X’s and O’s and roster-building approach all line up with the underlying success story of a program that has always had to live on the margins: ingenuity by necessity.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
In many cases, treating the underlying cause of bradykinesia can help improve symptoms and overall quality of life.11
Does dementia cause bradykinesia?
—Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
Unfortunately, many people miss out on this valuable option and instead turn to sleep medications, which often fail to address the underlying issues.
—Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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The basic Hulu subscription with ads is $9.99 per month, while the Disney+, Hulu Bundle basic starts at $10.99/month.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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The Kyoto Prize laureates for 2024 are physicist John Pendry for advanced technology, geologist Paul Hoffman for basic sciences and choreographer William Forsythe for arts and philosophy.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul.—
Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim,
USA TODAY,
31 Dec. 2024
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If your current job in comms is growing stale, consider pivoting to supporting an organization fighting climate change.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Capricorn’s grounding energy supports turning your reflections into practical insights.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
refinery29.com,
5 Jan. 2025
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For grounding and emotional stability Smoky quartz is a grounding powerhouse that perfectly complements Capricorn’s earthy nature, offering equal amounts of protection and emotional stability.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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When a new student arrives in the middle of the year with rudimentary English skills, the bilingual aide helps them, and me, out by providing direct support that suits their needs.—
Jeremy DeLuca,
Hartford Courant,
19 Mar. 2025
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Chase scenes are easily tracked over rich urban terrain, and shootouts tend to play out in clear, rudimentary compositions.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By Daniella Gray Family and Parenting Reporter 1 With children as young as 6 months already establishing a digital footprint, parents who opt to keep their kids offline find themselves in the minority.—
Andy Biggs,
Newsweek,
25 Dec. 2024
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In this case, establishing retribution as the motive would be very clear, because Patel has laid out beforehand that in fact is his motive.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The comptroller’s broader agenda also prioritizes universal afterschool programs in elementary and middle school, and improvements and the expansion of summer programs, such as Summer Rising and the Summer Youth Employment Program.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
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There are no plans to increase the student-teacher ratio at the elementary and intermediate schools.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Labor market stamina, marked by low layoffs and strong wage growth are underpinning consumer spending.—
Lucia Mutikani,
USA TODAY,
21 Dec. 2024
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The maker of graphics processing units underpinning large language models has benefited, as data center demand has swollen since ChatGPT’s late-2022 launch.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Finer details on the type of robots being used or their functions have not yet been revealed, but clearly the production of rebar (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, which makes sense since Neom is currently using around 20% of the world's steel supply.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Dec. 2024
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Share how feedback has shaped your leadership journey, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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