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 In doing so, Congress would be retreating from the notion that Medicare can control how many services physicians provide on a national basis, an idea that has undergirded Medicare’s doctor payments for decades. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 24 Sep. 2026 The Scriptures forever undergird the teachings of Christian Science, and Science and Health opens our eyes to the spiritual meaning and healing power of the Scriptures. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026 This drive for coexistence may undergird fundamental aspects of how genomes regulate themselves. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Chaudhry emphasized that the Pentagon’s budget proposal also requests significant funding to integrate AI into the software systems that undergird the military’s nuclear command and control structure. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
  1. sustain
  2. support
  3. carry
  4. bolster
Verb
  • But when mandates or control measures are used as the main tool in a crisis response, a short-term impact can be difficult to sustain.
    — Raj Panjabi, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to a person in his car dying from injuries sustained in the crash, another passenger was severely hurt, the release said.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sustain
Verb
  • The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For a government overseeing a population dominated by mobile expats, that created a lot of uncertainty in terms of establishing an economic base that can support a welfare system and basic state infrastructure.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Verb
  • During captive-carry testing, engineers can assess equipment carried by an aircraft before proceeding to more demanding flight demonstrations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • For airlines, the larger plane offers a way to carry more passengers on a single flight, potentially lowering costs per seat.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • The absence of Karoline Vitto — who bolstered the curve representation last season in London — was palpably felt.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Such moves are typical of presidential hopefuls from both parties seeking to bolster their alliances nationwide.
    — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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