UNDERLING Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

underling

noun

ˈən-dər-liŋ

Definition of underling

as in subordinate

one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details

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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 underling Towards the end of the season, Chris relapses and starts using again, leading to a car crash that leaves him maimed, giving Tony no other option but to whack his underling. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 But the occupant of the Oval Office doesn’t want his underlings engaging in self-promotion and vindictive lawsuits. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 Once a long-suffering underling to Streep’s Priestly, her fortunes have now dramatically reversed. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 Even Trump himself—with his garbled speech and incoherent ramblings—makes his underlings seem more credible by comparison. — Sarah Longwell, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling

Noun

The judge found that the three did, in fact, violate the charter, which states that council members may not interfere with appointments or removals in the city manager’s office, or give orders to the city manager’s subordinates.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
More broadly, struggling to name specific contributions by others even when specifically prompted to do so or remaining vague about developing subordinates are flags that the candidate may engage in toxic patterns.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

One of the senior henchmen of right-wing Christian politics saw this dangerous transformation unfolding from the inside.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
While Sanji and Chopper fight off various henchmen, Luffy battles Wapol and eventually beats him with Sanj’s help.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

underlines

underling

underlings

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

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Synonyms of underling

noun

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