underlying

[uhn-der-lahy-ing] / ˈʌn dərˌlaɪ ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

fundamental, latent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basic elemental hidden

STRONG

bottom concealed lurking prime root veiled

WEAK

basal bottom-line cardinal critical crucial elementary essential indispensable intrinsic necessary needful nitty-gritty nub primary primitive radical substratal vital

Antonyms

WEAK

secondary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What she’s targeting is the lawless underlying subpoena, saying it was unenforceable to begin with.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

Bradford said he’s a fusion skeptic and, for him, the bigger worry is the possible harm to investors in the combined TMTG-TAE entity who are expecting meaningful progress with the underlying technology.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Or are there real obstacles to addressing the underlying causes of many mental health concerns?

From Salon • May 18, 2026

Experts also warn that prolonged fasting can increase the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, dizziness, muscle loss, and complications for people with underlying health conditions.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

All of these parallels between Mesoamerican and ancient western Eurasian writing testify to the underlying universality of human creativity.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing underlying

Outcasts United

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High Spirits

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