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 The second inaccuracy that undergirds this executive order is that there is rampant fraud in mail-in voting. John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026 The administration’s vocal accusations that allies have moved away from commitments to democracy, free speech, and other values that undergird Western civilization, particularly noted in Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, further deteriorated the relationship. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2026 For gamblers, especially younger ones who are just starting to earn and build the savings that will undergird their retirements, that can mean life-altering losses of wealth and financial stability. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Even cheaper or open-source AI models from smaller companies could soon enable this sort of hacking—which would unsettle the basic security and privacy that undergird the modern internet. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The driver of the bus sustained minor injuries.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Create an inner and outer sanctuary that supports your emotional needs.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Mangione’s lawyers had faced a deadline Thursday to provide prosecutors with information to support the emotional disturbance claim.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Once, there was a showdown with another tour bus — one presumably not carrying theatergoers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • The spacious purse comes with two strap options, so it can also be carried as a crossbody.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Countries affected by the disruption are expected to bolster energy stockpiles, direct resources to ramp up domestic production, and pursue alternative supply routes to reduce dependence on a single chokepoint.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 June 2026
  • Such lifting of sanctions all but guarantees that the Iranian regime will be bolstered mere months after protests brought it to the brink of collapse.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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