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 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 The frontier myth undergirded their policies. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Officials allege the group sold the oil under false pretenses and used the profits to sustain and expand the original food fraud scheme.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Your browser does not support the video tag.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • That’s not supported by the data.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The outbreak linked to the MV Hondius began after the Dutch cruise ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew members, departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic voyage.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • The Knicks’ wings have carried their defense throughout this playoff run.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • But the videos have also appeared to bolster his popularity online, which Woolley said could force his opponents to take him more seriously.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 15 May 2026
  • In 2024, the Biden administration set aside $20 billion to bolster port security initiatives over the next five years.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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