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Showing results for underlying. Search instead for Under-playing.
Definitions

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.

AI startups such as OpenAI and Anthropic could be better positioned to successfully implement FDEs, Luria added, due to these companies’ ability to hire top talent, along with their strong underlying software and engaged customers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Averaging the two volatile months together gives a clearer picture of the underlying trend and showed monthly gains of just 22,500 jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

As with all Labor Department reports, the rosy top-line numbers require the context of their underlying trends—and those aren’t looking so pretty.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Bond yields and prices move inversely, so higher yields mean the value of the underlying bonds has fallen.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Disease not only shattered the family bonds that were the underlying foundation of Indian societies, it wiped out the political superstructure at the top.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.