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
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.
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Recent Examples of underlying
Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
Analysts at Macquarie estimate that copper imports totaled 881 metric tons in the first half of the year, compared to an underlying requirement of around 441 metric tons, based on actual trade data for the January to May period and shipment data logs for June.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Adjective
The mental health impact of generative AI is difficult to quantify in part because it is used so privately, but anecdotal evidence is growing to suggest a broader cost that deserves more attention from both lawmakers and tech companies who design the underlying models.
—Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
Analysts at Macquarie estimate that copper imports totaled 881 metric tons in the first half of the year, compared to an underlying requirement of around 441 metric tons, based on actual trade data for the January to May period and shipment data logs for June.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Verb
Unfortunately, many people miss out on this valuable option and instead turn to sleep medications, which often fail to address the underlying issues.
—Mill Etienne, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Treatment for a burning sensation in your feet varies based on the underlying cause, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlying
Adjective
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These are basic steps for any city committed to equitable access to public space.—
Stefan Boyland,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
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In many of these places, girls are 25 percent less likely than boys to access the knowledge needed for basic digital tasks.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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The design is intended to spur students to leave their rooms and connect with their fellow students, supporting physical and mental health.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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Carter asked Davis to come out of retirement—again—to help lead the process of enacting the speed limit into law and supporting its nationwide promotion.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Taurus Season begins on April 19th, bringing a soft, grounding energy to your communication sector.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
13 Apr. 2025
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Collectively, the trio brings depth and heart to G20, grounding its explosive stakes in something universally human—family.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Few technologies, and certainly few so rudimentary in design and execution, have done more for the betterment of the world than shipping containers.—
Tony Morley,
National Review,
25 July 2025
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This is the most simple kind of AI agent that basically provides a rudimentary function.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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To achieve military domination, you'll be tasked with forcefully establishing your Ideology and your empire around the globe.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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To increase your chances of getting into REM on time, experts recommended establishing a healthy overall sleep routine.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Health,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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By starting early with high school and even elementary education, institutions can introduce students to the importance of natural resources and the role of mining in the energy transition.—
Ed Macha,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Labor market stamina, marked by low layoffs and strong wage growth are underpinning consumer spending.—
Lucia Mutikani,
USA TODAY,
21 Dec. 2024
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The maker of graphics processing units underpinning large language models has benefited, as data center demand has swollen since ChatGPT’s late-2022 launch.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Finer details on the type of robots being used or their functions have not yet been revealed, but clearly the production of rebar (the reinforcing rods used in concrete construction) will be a major focus, which makes sense since Neom is currently using around 20% of the world's steel supply.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Dec. 2024
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Share how feedback has shaped your leadership journey, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlying. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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