underside

noun

un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
Synonyms of undersidenext
1
: the side or surface lying underneath
2
: a side usually hidden from sight
specifically : the more unpleasant or reprehensible side
the underside of politics

Synonyms of underside

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Examples of underside in a Sentence

the underside of the table The book explores the underside of human nature.
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.
Physical features An adult black rat snake has a glossy black back and a white underside, lips, chin, and throat. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The polyester filling is just like your favorite down-alternative comforters, and it’s covered with a 100 percent cotton outer material that’s crisp on top and soft on the underside. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 Stick Velcro dots to the underside of the felt at the top and bottom, reinforcing the adhesive under the Velcro dots with a little bit of hot glue. — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026 But Beaty argued that the underside of the roof eaves are 20 feet above the scaffolding and that scaffolding hasn’t been erected around the rest of the marble building to protect it or examine other parts of the roof. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underside

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underside was in 1660

Rhymes for underside

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Browse Nearby Words

undershrubby
underside
under siege
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Cite this Entry

“Underside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underside. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underside

noun
un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
: the side or part lying underneath
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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