as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underling
This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
This one regrettable fight between husband and wife has far-reaching implications for the community surrounding a ritzy LA country club, where Josh is the general manager and Ashley and Austin are his underlings.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Back then, Srinivas noted, a computer was the name for an astronomer’s apprentice; the underling tasked with doing the calculations to support the boss’ celestial theories.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Shell looked to be on his way to a high-profile comeback after losing his job as NBCUniversal chief executive three years ago over an inappropriate relationship with an underling.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underling
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
This one regrettable fight between husband and wife has far-reaching implications for the community surrounding a ritzy LA country club, where Josh is the general manager and Ashley and Austin are his underlings.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Back then, Srinivas noted, a computer was the name for an astronomer’s apprentice; the underling tasked with doing the calculations to support the boss’ celestial theories.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Shell looked to be on his way to a high-profile comeback after losing his job as NBCUniversal chief executive three years ago over an inappropriate relationship with an underling.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling
Noun
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His public dynamic with Schoen is that of a boss and his subordinate.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cincinnati's now-former police chief, once sued by subordinates for alleged discrimination against White male officers, has been fired.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When the newlyweds arrive home, they are attacked by Naz and his henchman (played by Matt Willig).—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
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Key witnesses in the government’s case included Spann’s top henchmen, who cooperated with prosecutors in hopes for leniency.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Nobody wanted to go there — well, except the oil and gas companies aching to root around for black gold, and their most loyal minions in high places.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
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Israel is also a part of the ceasefire but was subjected to a last-minute barrage of missile attacks today from Iran and its minions.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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