1
2
as in to establish
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlie
In Catchings’ neighborhood, where some residents were avoiding gatherings this weekend, the escape has resurfaced underlying concerns about crime and a jail that has faced staffing shortages and overcrowding.
—
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 May 2025
However, his underlying numbers are mostly hovering around his career averages, with the exception of his bat speed, which appears to be slower than it’s been in recent seasons, down about two ticks to 73.4 MPH, from 75.4 MPH last year.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
When viewing his underlying data at Fangraphs, there are no discernible differences in his contact rates allowed or swinging strike percentage.
—Greg Jewett, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Meanwhile, the underlying infrastructure—spanning containers, orchestration layers and APIs—must be fortified to withstand new classes of threats.
—Anuj Tyagi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 May 2025
However, his underlying numbers are mostly hovering around his career averages, with the exception of his bat speed, which appears to be slower than it’s been in recent seasons, down about two ticks to 73.4 MPH, from 75.4 MPH last year.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
When viewing his underlying data at Fangraphs, there are no discernible differences in his contact rates allowed or swinging strike percentage.
—Greg Jewett, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Meanwhile, the underlying infrastructure—spanning containers, orchestration layers and APIs—must be fortified to withstand new classes of threats.
—Anuj Tyagi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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Amanda Hollins: With 15 years in law enforcement, Hollins’s vision for Kennedale includes strengthening community infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enhancing organizational efficiency, empowering future leaders, and advocating for ethical leadership.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Along with Cepeda, Jenkins established the boutique production company Resurgent Pictures in 2022.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
24 May 2025
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Urban Exploration Hartford, the state capital, boasts a growing LGBTQ+ scene centered around Chez Est, a restaurant and cabaret established in 1983 and believed to be the first entertainment venue of its kind in the state’s history.—
Joshua Alston,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Scheffler, meanwhile, steadied his game and started looking as inevitable as seeing another pair of khaki shorts at Quail Hollow.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2025
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Smith hopes to steady Maryland athletics during a turbulent time in College Park and elsewhere across college sports.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Around the stage, steam engines, museums and 19th-century storefronts grounded attendees in the capital’s history as White’s quartet took them on a journey through jazz.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2025
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Judge’s league-leading 18th home run came after Trent Grisham grounded into a double play.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
24 May 2025
Verb
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However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
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There is a fundamental truth here that must be upheld.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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That reinforces the original (or last) experience the customer had with you.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Flair built his reputation on limousine rides and midnight blade jobs, Bruno Sammartino carried the belt like a civic honor, and Steve Austin smashed beers on his head and then drank them on the top rope.—
Oliver Bateman,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
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The charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum term of 20 years of imprisonment.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Ian Schrager's signature style, clean and contemporary, underpins the rooms with an ever-so-naughty playfulness.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) obtained an order from a United States district court last week to seize and take down about 2,300 domains underpinning Lumma’s infrastructure.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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