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

Relevance

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 gain helps cement Microsoft’s Azure as a leading cloud giant behind Amazon Web Services, and as one of the most prominent providers of the infrastructure undergirding the AI era. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Beyond the commercial aspect, the assumptions undergirding death positivity have begun to feel nearly as outdated as putting lipstick on a corpse. John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 But for hardcore believers, this didn’t mean that the philosophy undergirding the Soviet experiment was wrong. Literary Hub, 21 July 2026 Those economic gains have helped undergird stock market growth, propelling corporate earnings and pushing up shares, some analysts said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • There is no sign yet of Tzimas returning from an anterior cruciate knee ligament rupture sustained on his first league start against Aston Villa last December.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Captain Aleksander Barkov missed the entire campaign after sustaining a major right knee injury a half hour into his first training camp session.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If the folks in charge really fixed the offensive line, maybe new coach Todd Monken’s offense can create big plays and support a defense that still has top talent.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The documentary is narrated by actor Gary Sinise, whose own direction in life was profoundly affected by the attacks and ultimately inspired the creation of his foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That version would carry 10MJ electromagnetic armor and about five tonnes of advanced energy storage.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities didn't comment on the drone's origin or purpose, saying further investigation was needed, but two senior officials said the device was likely carrying explosives.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rutte pledged to increase support for Ukraine and bolster the 32-nation alliance's own defenses along its long eastern border with Russia.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Rutte pledged to increase support for Ukraine and bolster the 32-nation alliance’s own defenses along its long eastern border with Russia.
    Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster