underfeed

verb

Definition of underfeednext
as in to overfeed

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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 underfeed That court order stems from a legal action that the Southern Center brought against Sheriff Franklin’s predecessor, Greg Bartlett, who had been underfeeding inmates while taking $212,000 in food money for his personal use. — Walt Bogdanich and Grace Ashford, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2017 See All Example Sentences for underfeed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underfeed
  1. overfeed
  2. fatten
Verb
  • However, frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks can overfeed harmful bacteria in a way that neither saliva nor helpful bacteria can overcome.
    — Jacqueline Abranches, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025
  • Remember, those treat calories count toward the daily total, so adjust meal portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding and maintain a balanced, healthy diet.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of overfeed
Verb
  • The piglets wouldn’t fatten and brought almost nothing at the market.
    — Jack Wingate as told to John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2026
  • For Wilson’s phalaropes, Mono Lake is often their last chance to fatten up before flying nonstop to South America.
    — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of fatten

Browse Nearby Words

underfed
underfeed
underfeeding
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Cite this Entry

“Underfeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underfeed. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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