Definition of undergirdnext
as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the theory of evolution undergirds virtually all of modern biology

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 undergird This drive for coexistence may undergird fundamental aspects of how genomes regulate themselves. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Chaudhry emphasized that the Pentagon’s budget proposal also requests significant funding to integrate AI into the software systems that undergird the military’s nuclear command and control structure. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026 The financial manipulations that undergirded their fortunes get scrutinized as theft from the public purse, praise for their courage and perspicacity yields to condemnation for their conduct. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Less apparent, though, is the dramatic shift in domestic security doctrine that undergirds these efforts. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • The work is intended to help transfer specialized nuclear-submarine design knowledge, improve technical coordination and strengthen the industrial capabilities required to build and sustain advanced submarines over their operational lifetimes.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Expect winds to be sustained winds of 20-25mph with gusts of 30-40mph possible and humidity low overnight recoveries of 30-35% will drop to 15-20% through the morning.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Research on hitting objects does not support it as a way to reduce anger, and there are too few studies of screaming to conclude its effects.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • These improvements are intended to help military forces transport larger loads more efficiently and support operational demands across a range of environments.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Over the years the retailer has carried third-party denim in its stores such as Re/Done, A GoldE and Acne.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Funding arrangements should reflect who benefits and who carries the risk.
    — Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Microsoft Microsoft will ramp up use of its homegrown artificial intelligence chips after years of reliance on Nvidia's graphics processing units, as the software giant attempts to bolster its AI stack.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
  • During a drive bolstered by a 36-yard pass from Thomas to Dakorien Moore, Oregon nailed a field goal, cutting the lead to a possession.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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