undergird

verb

ˌən-dər-ˈgərd How to pronounce undergird (audio)
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 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 This kind of Fred-and-Ginger-meets-Laurel-and-Hardy coordination, and the trust that undergirds it, provides the authenticity in a world of red-nosed artifice. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
  1. sustain
  2. support
  3. carry
  4. bolster
Verb
  • Considering the expense of operating it, only musical groups with massive followings can sustain a residency here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Two sailors are reported to be missing, while eight civilians sustained injuries, Staff Colonel Majed al-Zuraiqi, official spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, said.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sustain
Verb
  • That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The distinctive frame already resembles the aircraft that will eventually soar through Titan’s dense orange skies, complete with landing skids, support arms for its eight rotors and the housing for its nuclear power system.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • Ultimately, though, the highlight is grabbing a glass of local wine at the lobby bar, carrying it to any one of the viewpoints on the massive lawn, and watching sunset over the silent sound, feeling like everything the light touches is yours.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In Cali, a woman was pulled from under a mountain of rubble on Tuesday to cheers as firemen carried her out on a stretcher following a complex, multinational rescue operation.
    — Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • Kim also has bolstered his diplomatic credentials by aligning with Russia over its war against Ukraine and taking steps to deepen cooperation with China.
    — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Here, the wealthy and asthmatic young politician, bolstered by time spent outside among manly men, grew strong enough to meet his destiny.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bolster

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undergird
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Cite this Entry

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

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