UNDERLIES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

underlies

verb

present tense third-person singular of underlie

as in supports

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

Relevance

as in grounds

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 underlies The same principle underlies brainwriting, a technique that reliably outperforms conventional brainstorming. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The same philosophy underlies a series of larger reforms already underway. — Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026 Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 21 July 2026 This approach underlies the security of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and, with RSA, helps secure modern internet traffic. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 July 2026 And that’s the question that underlies much of what’s onscreen in this perplexing, entertaining, frustrating picture. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 July 2026 But in making their arguments, the authors went further, addressing fundamental questions of politics by laying out the political theory that underlies that Constitution. — Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 Training, both stressed, underlies all of it. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies

Verb

The commitment supports Nvidia's argument that customers are generating enough returns on its AI infrastructure to justify continued spending.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Why doctors say bidets may be healthier Converts often describe simply feeling cleaner, and some research supports the idea.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of supports

Verb

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
Anti Bast grounds saffron and warm cardamom (a fall spice rack classic) with incense absolute and amber, creating a warm, spicy scent ideal for cooler weather.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of grounds

Verb

The rule also establishes new design requirements, including a tracking barcode for mail-in ballot envelopes that states must create and submit to the USPS for approval.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Assembly Bill 1633 establishes the Private Detention Facility Tax Law, which would impose an annual 25% tax on operators of private detention centers.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of establishes

Verb

The data reinforces the stark need for action along these lines, as do the tragic stories of far too many first responders who have made significant sacrifices for their communities and are met with newfound dangers for their troubles.

— Sen. Saud Anwar, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
The material produced by the league so far, according to the filing, reinforces the necessity of complete transparency.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reinforces

Browse Nearby Words

underlie

underlies

underline

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“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of underlies

verb

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