underlie

verb

un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)
underlay ˌən-dər-ˈlā How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlain ˌən-dər-ˈlān How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlying ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlie (audio)
Synonyms of underlienext

transitive verb

1
: to lie or be situated under
2
: to be at the basis of : form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolution
3
: to exist as a claim or security superior and prior to (another)
4
archaic : to be subject or amenable to

Examples of underlie in a Sentence

A tile floor underlies the rug. The river is underlain by limestone. We discussed the principles that underlay their methods. A theme of revenge underlies much of her writing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The authors of this latest paper sought to capture the venom-pumping kinematics of honey bee stingers in order to identify the underlying biomechanics. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026 While investors have taken note of Crocs' underlying strength, the stock's rally has stalled in recent months over channel revenue recognition changes and lingering turnaround questions at its casual footwear brand HeyDude. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 Defects introduced during those steps can disrupt the electronic processes needed for efficient light emission, potentially limiting a material’s performance even when its underlying crystal structure is favorable. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026 That was the case with hydraulic mining in the West, which involved aiming a torrent of water under high pressure to blast away soil and boulders to expose the underlying gold veins. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underlie

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlie was before the 12th century

Rhymes for underlie

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Browse Nearby Words

under license
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Cite this Entry

“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underlie

verb
un·​der·​lie ˌən-dər-ˈlī How to pronounce underlie (audio)
underlay -ˈlā How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlain -ˈlān How to pronounce underlie (audio) ; underlying -ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlie (audio)
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt

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