underlie

verb

Definition of underlienext
1
as in to support
to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

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2
as in to establish
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 underlie If left unaddressed, chips can expose the underlying material to moisture and lead to rust or rot, depending on what your door is made of. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 That question led to years of research focused on developing the underlying protein technology that makes PIILK unique. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The strain underlying that conflict had been wearing on Westwood specifically for years. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 Researchers have not studied all types of infections, and few studies have looked at patients with underlying health issues or those in hospitals. — Amy J. Mathers, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
  1. support
  2. establish
  3. steady
  4. ground
  5. uphold
  6. reinforce
  7. carry
  8. underpin
Verb
  • Our team of Victim Advocates are supporting those involved in what happened today.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Easley said a community gathering organized in support of the brewery on Saturday drew a large crowd, with some of the drag brunch’s vendors and a food truck showing up to support the brewery.
    — Evan Moore August 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • Its immediate goal is to establish pilot-scale production while continuing to develop partnerships across the fusion and advanced nuclear industries.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Once an account is established, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per year until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of establish
Verb
  • The new king must steady royal fortunes amid damaging scrutiny of Queen Mette-Marit’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and stepson Marius Høiby’s rape conviction, which has eroded public support for the monarchy.
    — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 A sudden career shift may ask you to steady your response before acting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of steady
Verb
  • Caglianone represented the tying run but grounded out on the first pitch against Blue Jays closer Louis Varland.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Transportation was also the leading cause of fatal injuries among truck drivers, fishing and hunting workers, refuse collectors and grounds maintenance workers.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of ground
Verb
  • He was arrested later that month, in Texas, but was released from jail on August 27th, after Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, refused to extradite him back to Minnesota, a decision upheld by a federal judge.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • If the executive order is enacted and ultimately upheld by the courts, states would have to provide lists of eligible voters to the federal government, and any mail-in ballots would only be sent to people on those lists.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of uphold
Verb
  • The look also pulls from indie sleaze, which Trendalytics reports is up 80% in social buzz, reinforcing the messy, early-2000s finish that defines the trend.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Both formulas pair moisture-drawing glycerin with pea peptide and a trio of ceramides to condition and reinforce dry, stressed hair.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of reinforce
Verb
  • Highlight one strong detail, ask what outcome matters most, and let your craft carry the room.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Moon Jong-won rounds out the cast as Um Sang-pil, who runs a bed-and-breakfast and carries a past shrouded in mystery.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • It's based on the company's MQB platform, which underpins the T-Cross subcompact SUV and the Polo hatchback.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the economic particulars underpinning this needless antagonism essentially are beside the point.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of underpin

Browse Nearby Words

underlay
underlie
underlies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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