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

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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 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 Mamdani sailed to victory in the New York City mayor’s race, first in the primary, then in the general election, on a platform of affordability undergirded by good old-fashioned class warfare. Abby Phillip, Time, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • But faith alone will not sustain Minneapolis’ road to recovery.
    Yahya Salem, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The Longhorns have won four games in a row -- largely against lower-level league teams -- and appear in position to sustain their run this week.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • My job is to keep our mission, vision, and commitment to impact front and center and to make sure our staff feel supported and able to stay focused on the work.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Trump supported Milei’s fiscal program last year with a $20-billion credit line that succeeded in calming markets and boosting Milei’s prospects in a crucial midterm election in October.
    Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Keough alone could carry the film, embodying the most peculiar mix of lust and off-kilter desire in her baby-blue thigh high boots.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
  • He was pictured carrying a Louis Vuitton box into the restaurant—perhaps a Valentine’s Day gift for Rihanna?
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Concerns that technology will replace white-collar workers are bolstering the case for trades and manual labor, which are less exposed to automation (at least until the robots take over).
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Within the retail channel, Asics’ Meatpacking store in NYC remained focused on supporting omnichannel practices, while the brand continued to bolster its consumer loyalty program, OneAsics.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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