undergirds

present tense third-person singular of undergird
as in sustains
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 undergirds For much of the film, that enticing idea undergirds the main plot line like a ticking time bomb. Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 3 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergirds
Verb
  • In addition to providing a safety net, Medicaid prevents higher downstream costs, sustains employment and independence, and strengthens communities in ways that benefit the entire economy.
    Our Place, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • At high elevations, cold air turns heavy monsoon precipitation into snowfall that sustains the ice.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This adaptability supports a variety of scientific and technological advancements, contributing to the future of space exploration.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Caracas denied the allegation, but it is widely believed that the Cartel de los Soles—the Cartel of the Suns—drug organization is led by the Venezuelan armed forces and controls or at least supports Tren de Aragua.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities identified Tyler Robinson as Charlie Kirk‘s alleged assassin and charged him with murder, which carries the possibility of the death penalty.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Repole’s cautionary advice carries significant weight given his impressive business track record.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Combined with Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina’s score, this soundscape bolsters the fights and emotional flashbacks alike with no degree of subtlety.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The researchers’ conclusion about the importance of Zone 0 clearing bolsters the foundation for the new regulation mandating the five-foot clearance in areas of very high fire hazard, experts said.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undergirds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirds. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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