undergirding

present participle of undergird
as in sustaining
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 undergirding But there are key threads undergirding it. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 17 May 2026 OpenAI is at the heart of a web of deals undergirding the artificial intelligence boom that has helped power the entire stock market higher. Rob Wile, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026 In the early 2000s it was shown that there are at least 10500 different configurations of the six compact dimensions, each theoretically undergirding a universe with different properties. Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026 That fear, undergirding all of our hard work. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026 Instruments drift in and out, sometimes accreting into subtle polyrhythms or harmonies, and other times lightly undergirding Ederra’s gorgeous runs. Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 While profits boomed in the US, the rest of the world wasn’t shabby either, undergirding calls to diversify away from American stocks into megacaps in Asia and Europe. Michael Msika, Bloomberg, 1 Mar. 2026 Capital expenditures—capex, meaning the big-ticket purchases that fund the data centers, servers, and power infrastructure undergirding the AI race—is fueling record-high, multi-trillion dollar tech valuations when investors think the spending is warranted. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 Every social theory undergirding Trumpism has been broken on the steel of Minnesotan resolve. Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergirding
Verb
  • Kylian Mbappé’s powers were diminished in that tournament after sustaining a broken nose, while emerging stars like Michael Olise and Désiré Doué were yet to break through.
    James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • Sunday, some sustaining injuries while riding motorcycles or bicycles under strong winds or due to slippery road surfaces.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber still play an important role in supporting muscle health, energy levels and digestion.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Proceeds from Art+Film are funneled to LACMA’s focus to make film central to the museum’s curatorial program while also supporting its broader mission with exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programming and more.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The latest in Houston Salgado Araujo, 52, was driving to work with three other construction crew members when unmarked vehicles carrying federal agents began following his van, his family said.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The Nets led by as many as 30 before carrying a 56-34 advantage into the halftime break.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • United intend to invest Malard’s fee into bolstering their own ranks this summer.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The Toronto Blue Jays are bolstering their organizational depth by signing veteran outfielder Daz Cameron, a former first-round pick with five years of MLB experience.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • One consequence of the equations underpinning that theory was the possibility of a singularity, a point at which the equations of general relativity go to infinity.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2026
  • Attracting margin players With the artificial intelligence trade underpinning the latest multi-year bull run, it’s likely drawn a lot of margin players into the market, Opsal added.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Alford also commented on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the long-standing interpretation that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Last year, the Supreme Court struck its first blow against transgender rights by upholding a Tennessee law banning transgender care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for minors.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergirding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirding. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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