UNDERLYING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

underlying 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ

Definition of underlying

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

underlying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of underlie

as in supporting

to lie underneath A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.

Related Words

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

Crucially, professionals must actively listen to uncover underlying needs, use storytelling to clarify concepts, and adapt their message in real-time. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The company has also said that controlling the chip, domain controller and underlying software stack could help reduce component costs as production volumes increase. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

Because the underlying models are beyond the level of human comprehension, the only way to make models reliable and predictable today is to corral them with harnesses and other AI models that keep them in check. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Developers may move further from a system’s underlying code toward writing prompts, specifying outcomes and reviewing what AI fills in. — Atul Sabharwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying

Adjective

Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
There’s nothing basic about this evening look from the Elie Saab H&M collaboration.

— Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Verb

The Moon trines your ruler Mercury in your sign, supporting careful edits, useful explanations, and conversations that stay on track.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026
In a declaration supporting their complaint, Becker noted that California is mulling a bill, SB 813, that would establish a process where independent organizations would set baselines for AI safety standards.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 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

Verb

Shalini Adnani’s poignant coming-of-age drama Our Share of Sand presents a unique perspective on India’s gaping class inequality, child labor and the deep corruption underpinning a family’s economic status.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Still, the economic particulars underpinning this needless antagonism essentially are beside the point.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 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

The additional restrictions at these school districts come a few months after the school district and police department in Rocklin banned Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on elementary and middle school campuses.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of elementary

Verb

God has created and knows only the spiritual universe, in which divine law reigns and rules, upholding all that is good and true.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Banchi Hanuse works across film and radio as a co-founder of Nuxalk Radio, supporting Nuxalk language revitalization, upholding Nuxalk Nationhood and advocating for stewardship of Nuxalk homelands.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of upholding

Browse Nearby Words

underlining

underlying

undermine

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of underlying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes