as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underling Shell looked to be on his way to a high-profile comeback after losing his job as NBCUniversal chief executive three years ago over an inappropriate relationship with an underling. —
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 That’s striking, considering that execs tend to be far more enthusiastic about the tech compared to their underlings. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 Despite the scary Instagram post, gang leader Lamar Williams was still convicted this month of a 2013 murder in the Bronx, and the two underlings accused of trying to keep him out of prison could wind up joining him. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Both Freedman and Wallace are mentioned in a text exchange between Nathan and the underling, which is now an exhibit in yet another ongoing Hollywood courtroom drama between actress Rebel Wilson and producer Amanda Ghost. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underling
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 That’s striking, considering that execs tend to be far more enthusiastic about the tech compared to their underlings. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 Despite the scary Instagram post, gang leader Lamar Williams was still convicted this month of a 2013 murder in the Bronx, and the two underlings accused of trying to keep him out of prison could wind up joining him. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Both Freedman and Wallace are mentioned in a text exchange between Nathan and the underling, which is now an exhibit in yet another ongoing Hollywood courtroom drama between actress Rebel Wilson and producer Amanda Ghost. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underling
Noun
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The labor secretary had been the subject of multiple controversies—accused of abusing her power, having an affair with a subordinate, and drinking on the job.— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
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Those messages were uncovered as part of a broader investigation of Chavez-DeRamer’s leadership that began after the New York Post reported in January that a complaint filed with the Labor Department’s inspector general accused Chavez-DeRemer of a relationship with the subordinate.— Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Key witnesses in the government’s case included Spann’s top henchmen, who cooperated with prosecutors in hopes for leniency.— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
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This is potentially disastrous, given that Josh is now in the custody of the chairwoman’s henchmen.— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Nobody wanted to go there — well, except the oil and gas companies aching to root around for black gold, and their most loyal minions in high places.— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
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Israel is also a part of the ceasefire but was subjected to a last-minute barrage of missile attacks today from Iran and its minions.— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/underling. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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