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 But growing cloud revenues, along with continuing advances in frontier algorithms, seem to be undergirding Huang's optimism so far. Tobias Burns, CNBC, 21 May 2026 But there are key threads undergirding it. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 17 May 2026 The review found the company had a reasonable compliance program undergirding its systems of export control regulations. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 May 2026 Strong statewide bans on cellphone use in schools, reinforced and undergirded by federal guidelines and district interventions, are a good step in the right direction. Weadé James, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Desalination plants are significant in the Middle East region, providing a key lifeline of drinking water and sustaining certain remote regions through droughts.
    Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The engine already supports several missile applications, with Pratt & Whitney delivering more than 2,700 units to customers worldwide.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • Sinking land and rising tides Despite the enthusiasm for building Miami higher, the question remains whether the city can quite literally support it.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Proof that the country our parents carried in their voices, their food, their music, and their sacrifices was never exaggerated.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Paramount contends that the transaction would bolster competition in streaming, as the combination of Paramount and Warner Bros would stand a better chance against stronger rivals like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon’s Prime Video.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 July 2026
  • Nuclear power is key to bolstering energy security in Africa, but its rollout on the continent requires workforce training and safety regulations, according to a leading industry expert.
    Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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