1
as in supports
to lie underneath
A layer of rock underlies the topsoil.
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in grounds
to form the basis or foundation of (something, such as an idea)
The assumption that underlies their argument is faulty.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underlies
The technique that made Cassie run—training it in physics simulations—likely underlies the capability of robots like Lightning as well.
—
Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Again has a catchier ring than Make America Feel Real Again, but the same sentiment underlies both.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
So often, this dynamic of defiant contrast underlies hostility between countries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
High-resistivity wafers enter the high-level injection regime more readily than low-resistivity ones, a physical characteristic that underlies their superior intrinsic potential for achieving high fill factors.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Papouin’s team was studying changes at synapses that alter communication between neurons, a form of neuroplasticity that underlies ongoing shifts in thought and behavior.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
But those involved in the various cases have said that what underlies these deaths and disappearances is not a spy-thriller plot, but something more personal and tragic.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
This process likely underlies the profound and sometimes long-lasting effects psilocybin mushrooms can have on thoughts, emotions and perception.
—Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
Collage just underlies most of the Western art of the twentieth century.
—Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026
Again has a catchier ring than Make America Feel Real Again, but the same sentiment underlies both.
—Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
So often, this dynamic of defiant contrast underlies hostility between countries.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
High-resistivity wafers enter the high-level injection regime more readily than low-resistivity ones, a physical characteristic that underlies their superior intrinsic potential for achieving high fill factors.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Papouin’s team was studying changes at synapses that alter communication between neurons, a form of neuroplasticity that underlies ongoing shifts in thought and behavior.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underlies
Verb
-
Take a few minutes to reset, then make one decision that supports both your stability and your peace moving forward.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The brand’s proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku supports stronger, healthier hair right at the root, while soothing botanicals like rosemary, green tea, and rice extract keep irritation in check.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Robertson grounds both versions of Niall in a sad-eyed misery, with Bell stepping in and giving the character grace notes of humor that don’t always seem to fit the story.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The inclusion of a late Neolithic female figurine fragment from North Macedonia grounds the exhibition in deep time, underscoring the persistence of these forms.—
George Nelson,
ARTnews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The first episode establishes immediately that something is uniquely off about Widow’s Bay, and not just because Shep, a shipman patrolling the waters at night, goes missing, potentially because he’s been taken by a sinister fog.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The new law establishes a foreign agent registration requirement, ensuring individuals acting on behalf of hostile foreign governments cannot operate in the shadows.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon centers on your 2nd House of Value, where consistency reinforces results.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Bringing greenery overhead reinforces the feeling of enclosure.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel, but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The whole security architecture rests on those layers.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The decline in contenders will also likely mean fewer nominations, as the TV Academy bases the number of nominees in a category on how many programs or individuals are submitted.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Old Farmer's Almanac bases its extended weather forecasts on solar science, climatology, and meteorology, touting an 80 percent accuracy rating.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underlies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underlies. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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