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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlie
On the other hand, the penalty for harboring or aiding a felon can vary, depending on the severity of the underlying felony committed by the person being aided.
—
Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
Neither of the children had underlying health conditions, the Texas health department said.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Heat has a particularly pernicious impact on people with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory problems.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
The inference here is that this doesn’t change who is actually buying and holding the US Treasuries, the big banks in this case, but rather, this shifts the underlying deposit bases of the banks.
—Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
Neither of the children had underlying health conditions, the Texas health department said.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Heat has a particularly pernicious impact on people with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory problems.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
The inference here is that this doesn’t change who is actually buying and holding the US Treasuries, the big banks in this case, but rather, this shifts the underlying deposit bases of the banks.
—Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlie
Verb
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After Amanda was born in 2001, the family of four moved again from New Jersey to Florida to support Maria’s growing tennis ambitions.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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Recently, Tiger Woods has been making more frequent public appearances, mostly to support his son Charlie's rising junior golf career.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The main character of an upcoming DC Universe movie, Kara is the extraterrestrial cousin to Superman, rightful owner of the wily super-dog Krypto — and, as the Man of Steel and his robot friend Four (voiced by Alan Tudyk) establish, a party animal.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
11 July 2025
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His presence has allowed the KC bullpen to have established roles.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The shoes rely on stiff soles to steady the foot, but the lightweight, rigid build is what creates the best ankle support.—
Molly Harris,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2025
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The droning roll calls in the chamber belied the frenzied action to steady the bill.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Lunging, the righty grounded it to shortstop, resulting in the inning-ending double play.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
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After the Ethiopia crash, 737 Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned the system.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The decision to hear the cases follows a decision by the Supreme Court's conservative majority last month upholding state bans on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 July 2025
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Last year, West Virginia tried again and urged the Supreme Court to review the 4th Circuit’s decision and uphold its restrictions on transgender athletes.—
David G. Savage
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Verb
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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,
12 July 2025
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In psychology, rituals are known to reduce anxiety and reinforce identity, especially during change.—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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All six would have to make a stop to change into a long dress, don a wig, and carry a handbag filled with bricks to the finish line on Power’s stage.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 July 2025
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This level carries a monthly charge of €14.99 or €149 per year.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Additional increases in the quantity and quality of weapons sent to Ukraine would underpin that message and would have a better chance than anything else of persuading Putin to replace fake negotiations with the real thing.—
The Editors,
National Review,
11 July 2025
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The platform underpinning the vehicles, however, is new ― built by GM and former engineers that integrates technology of its advanced driver assist system, Super Cruise.—
Jackie Charniga,
Freep.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlie. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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