underlie

verb

un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)
underlay ˌən-dər-ˈlā How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlain ˌən-dər-ˈlān How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlying ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlie (audio)
Synonyms of underlienext

transitive verb

1
: to lie or be situated under
2
: to be at the basis of : form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolution
3
: to exist as a claim or security superior and prior to (another)
4
archaic : to be subject or amenable to

Examples of underlie in a Sentence

A tile floor underlies the rug. The river is underlain by limestone. We discussed the principles that underlay their methods. A theme of revenge underlies much of her writing.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Finally, while the AI narrative dominates the market, underlying macroeconomic concerns persist. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Its responses include citations so users can review the underlying sources and consider the information within the context of their own clinical expertise. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Instead of copying each motion, the AI learned the underlying coordination principles. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 The Torcal’s underlying platform is shared with the electric Porsche Cayenne‘s, and thus far shares virtually all (but not 100%) of its underlying capability. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlie was before the 12th century

Rhymes for underlie

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underlie

verb
un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)
underlay -ˈlā How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlain -ˈlān How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlying -ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlie (audio)
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for underlie

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