underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
Definition of underlyingnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie
1
as in supporting
to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related 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.

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 underlying
Adjective
The underlying technology is backed by a variety of models including Claude, Grok, Seedance, DeepSeek and more. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The underlying and often reiterated vibe is that this dude respects women and works out. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Once the underlying machine learning model has been trained, tagging a person takes only a few seconds. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 And for people dealing with conditions like acne, eczema or signs of aging, diet alone may not address the underlying issue. — Olivia Laborde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
  1. basic
  2. supporting
  3. grounding
  4. rudimentary
  5. underpinning
  6. establishing
  7. elementary
  8. upholding
Adjective
  • Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Verb
  • The bridge’s 22 piers were seismically retrofitted from the water upward in 2002, but the underwater infrastructure supporting the piers hasn’t been renovated or upgraded since the bridge opened to traffic in 1969.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fewer workers are splitting the cost of supporting a larger, longer-living retired population.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of supporting
Verb
  • According to OpenEvidence, grounding its responses in medical literature and providing citations is intended to make the origins of the information clearer.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, that grounding data layer is what lets AI deliver care recommendations patients and members can trust.
    — Morgan Beschle, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of grounding
Adjective
  • Using rudimentary 3-D animation tools, the film looks janky, with sharp edges and bad editing.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Verb
  • Still, the economic particulars underpinning this needless antagonism essentially are beside the point.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The debacle has cast light on the various ways in which leverage is increasingly underpinning the wider AI boom.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of underpinning
Verb
  • Most recently, the Los Padres National Forest issued an order, effective Friday night, establishing an emergency closure for the Monterey Ranger District.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The expansion of settlements crisscrossing the West Bank threatened the hope of establishing a contiguous Palestinian state there.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of establishing
Adjective
  • Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In elementary classrooms, engagement may include collaborative projects involving discussion and problem solving, writing, or small-group lessons.
    — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Verb
  • During the May 21 vote, many board members lamented that their hands were tied by state law and a 3rd District Appellate Court ruling upholding the state’s solar siting regulations.
    — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • His appeals were rejected in 2016 by a Supreme Court decision upholding the death penalty.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining
underlying
undermine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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