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.

It also means the share price can move independently of the underlying value of the assets.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

For March, Jefferies estimates underlying average daily traffic fell by 3.3% in Melbourne and by 0.3% in Brisbane.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"We do not have all the answers yet, we are only just beginning to understand some of the underlying causes of TSW," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

To hedge a call option, a dealer can buy the underlying stock.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

This was the assumption underlying a message that was broadcast into space by the Arecibo radio telescope in 1974.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing underlying

Outcasts United

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High Spirits

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Most Dangerous

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