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 Yet his empire of quiet is undergirded by unease. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 The 10 albums here are not necessarily ranked competitively, but were representative of a sincerity in music that, for me, helped cut through the performative theatrics that undergird American politics. Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025 This includes the inherently exploitative nature of apparel production that is undergirded by unequal power dynamics between the global North and the global South. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025 So age has been something that's always been undergirding. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Court documents reveal extensive injuries including ligature marks, burn marks, broken bones and deformity sustained before Crystal Marie Falcon’s death on February 13.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The company’s leadership had originally conceived Insider as a premium add-on to the Economist’s subscription, but decided that the demand wasn’t great enough to sustain the video series as its own offering, and folded it into the existing magazine subscription.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Knight will be at her now-fiancée’s 1500m race Friday to support Bowe.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Will Sullivan tip his hand on a potential plan of pursuit for Willis, Jordan Love’s backup for the Packers who is expected to carry an expensive price tag for a team looking for its next starter?
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Those are the players in recent memory who’ve commanded the kind of draft capital that reshapes franchises — the sort of seismic move that mortgages a future and, in return, attaches expectations normally reserved for franchise-carrying superstars.
    Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The ad is the first produced and paid for by Stratton’s own campaign, though her candidacy has been bolstered by millions of dollars in ads from an allied political action committee largely funded by Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Do-it-all Detroit superstar Cade Cunningham erupted for 42 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, bolstering his standing as an MVP candidate.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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