undergirded

past tense of undergird
as in sustained
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the theory of evolution undergirds virtually all of modern biology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 undergirded The frontier myth undergirded their policies. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 In the summer of 2020, massive riots erupted over the murder of George Floyd, undergirded by a powerful social justice movement. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026 Hungarian Conceptual artist Dóra Maurer, whose fascination with movement and change undergirded a diverse practice marked by bright hues, simple shapes, and uninhibited experimentation, died on February 14. News Desk, Artforum, 22 Feb. 2026 Her wacky asides, undergirded by a subtle poignancy, both gave Guffman a zany edge and helped transform the mockumentary genre itself. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 Yet his empire of quiet is undergirded by unease. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 This includes the inherently exploitative nature of apparel production that is undergirded by unequal power dynamics between the global North and the global South. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025 Mamdani sailed to victory in the New York City mayor’s race, first in the primary, then in the general election, on a platform of affordability undergirded by good old-fashioned class warfare. Abby Phillip, Time, 4 Dec. 2025 Some might say the new Aurora Regional Navigation Campus that opened recently in a former 255-room hotel is undergirded by one of humanity’s seven deadly sins — envy. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergirded
Verb
  • Barker, Hutcherson and Watson and two others who sustained burn injuries were overcome by flames from fast-moving fires in Mesa County.
    Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Bavi has sustained winds near 166 miles per hour with gusts of 200 miles per hour.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Still, recent studies have bolstered the case for testosterone’s benefits, for certain conditions, while allaying worries about its safety — particularly concerns about heart safety.
    Konstantin Toropin, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Stocks climbed Tuesday after a cooler-than-expected inflation report bolstered hopes that the Federal Reserve may not need to raise interest rates as aggressively this year.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Along with Nyong’o, celebrities like Meryl Streep, Katy Perry and Millie Bobby Brown have carried the brand’s clutches.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
  • Short cruises have carried a party reputation for years, as noted earlier, but the format has always been broader than its loudest examples.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The organization is a main backer of the measure and has supported efforts in other states to prohibit individualized prices for people based on certain personal information.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • In addition to work supported by the grant, a major focus area of Chung’s lab is investigating tissue homeostasis in ovarian aging and cardiovascular disease.
    Rachel Martin, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Representatives from each member state are expected to decide on July 24 if his suspension will be upheld and what, if any, disciplinary actions will be taken.
    Christiane Amanpour, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • The president has appealed that outcome; so far, federal courts have upheld the award.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 14 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undergirded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirded. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!