underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī 
underlay
ˌən-dər-ˈlā
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
; underlain
ˌən-dər-ˈlān
; underlying
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ
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
Abstraction removes dependencies on underlying base services, which makes switching easy.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The themes are interchangeable; the underlying format remains the same.
—Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
The firm’s animation and games properties may underlie the possible M&A activity.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
The underlying tensions connected to Israel’s pre–October 7 blockade of Gaza—the very tensions that fueled Hamas’s initial attack—have not been addressed.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlie 
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Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The themes are interchangeable; the underlying format remains the same.
—Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
The firm’s animation and games properties may underlie the possible M&A activity.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
The underlying tensions connected to Israel’s pre–October 7 blockade of Gaza—the very tensions that fueled Hamas’s initial attack—have not been addressed.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlie
Dictionary Entries Near underlie
Cite this Entry
“Underlie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlie. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underlie
verb
un·der·lie
ˌən-dər-ˈlī
1
: to lie or be located under
2
: to form the foundation of : support
ideas underlying the revolt
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