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 New manufacturing facilities, such as those making semiconductors, and the data centers that undergird the country’s artificial intelligence ambitions consume unprecedented amounts of electricity. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 For much of the film, that enticing idea undergirds the main plot line like a ticking time bomb. Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025 In addition, the disruption at the CDC could jeopardize many local health services undergirded by the agency’s support and expertise, Schuchat noted. Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 He may yet be proved wrong, but, after three years and counting, this is the fundamental assumption that undergirds his thinking on matters of war and peace. Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • At some point during the standoff, an officer made entry into the home via a sliding glass door and sustained a laceration on his arm.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • That audience euphoria is welcome to De Luca and Abdy, who are the Hollywood comeback story of the year after sustaining earlier criticism over box office misses.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then layer the bulbs as described above, tossing organic fertilizer into the bottom of each layer to support root growth.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Survivors were referred to support services provided by agencies such as Health and Human Services to ensure long-term care and protection.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Bishop led Tennessee with 146 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 14 carries before leaving with a leg injury.
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • HavocAI put together the new round within three months, Lwin said—bolstering the startup’s total funding raised to nearly $100 million since the company launched just last January.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There is more with Misa and Dickinson, as the Sharks bolstered their lineup with more veterans up front and on defense.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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