1
as in underworld
a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream
unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry
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2
as in underside
the side or part facing downward from something
the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in back
a vulnerable point
the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of underbelly
The result is a sordid yet realistic portrait of the underbelly of Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam district.
—
Regina Kim, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
To look at an underbelly of a subculture, to me, is fascinatingly fun.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024
The whole look at the underbelly of promotions in country music — that was very intriguing.
—Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 15 July 2024
His films explore the psychic underbelly of times and places past—and often revolve around a supernatural antagonist.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underbelly 
Regina Kim, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
To look at an underbelly of a subculture, to me, is fascinatingly fun.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024
The whole look at the underbelly of promotions in country music — that was very intriguing.
—Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 15 July 2024
His films explore the psychic underbelly of times and places past—and often revolve around a supernatural antagonist.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
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But soon, darkness descends on them as well: they are faced with the city’s criminal underworld.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
17 Jan. 2025
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Advertisement According to a report released over the weekend by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Chinese agents have sought to use the Taiwanese underworld to channel funds to those with information to sell.—
Christopher Bodeen,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Finally, when the leg is telescoped in and the wings are folded down, the whole shebang can be carried in a zippered pocket on the underside of the seat.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Smear about ¾ of the butter under the skin, then smear the rest of the butter on underside of thigh.—
Susan Nicholson,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant will interview with the Chicago Bears for their defensive coordinator job, McVay said.—
Gary Klein,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
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Just ask these stars, all of whom struggled to produce against the All-Pro defensive back.—
Ryan McFadden,
The Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Write numbers at the bottom of each egg carton cup to use them as learning aid for math and counting.—
Rabekah Henderson,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2025
-
America’s flagship — the magnificent SS United States — was poised to set sail at the end of last year on her final voyage from Philadelphia to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico to become an artificial reef.—
Danny Freeman,
CNN,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Adults who grew up with theaters clearly still have a soft spot for them which is why movies like Deadpool & Wolverine still shine.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Americans tend to have a soft spot for our former presidents.—
Bret Stephens,
The Mercury News,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Almost straight from the restart, France pressured Argentina into a hurried clearance, and from there France went straight for the jugular.—
Jonathan Clegg,
WSJ,
18 Dec. 2022
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Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts.—
Charles McNultyTheater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Dec. 2022
Thesaurus Entries Near underbelly
Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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