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
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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of underbelly
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
In Action Thriller ‘Control’ In between the restoration and sale, there were numerous mysterious twists, turns and controversies from the underbelly of the fine art world.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 17 June 2024
Complex machinations in the underbelly of the Colosseum even allowed it to be filled with water to enact sea battles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Propulsive and kind of terrifying, this is a brilliant examination of the underbelly of journalism and the people on the fringe of society who are willing to cross any moral boundary to find their brief time in the light.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underbelly 
Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
In Action Thriller ‘Control’ In between the restoration and sale, there were numerous mysterious twists, turns and controversies from the underbelly of the fine art world.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 17 June 2024
Complex machinations in the underbelly of the Colosseum even allowed it to be filled with water to enact sea battles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Propulsive and kind of terrifying, this is a brilliant examination of the underbelly of journalism and the people on the fringe of society who are willing to cross any moral boundary to find their brief time in the light.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underbelly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underbelly
Noun
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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
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This underworld of extremes has given us some of the most impressive creatures ever discovered—some hauntingly beautiful, others delightfully bizarre.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underbelly. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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