as in sustains
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
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Recent Examples of undergirds
The measurement for streaming viewership has come under fire in recent weeks, notably against Nielsen, which provides the third-party ratings currency that undergirds the $5 billion-plus TV advertising market.
—
Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 15 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
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
Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 15 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
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
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Then stay even longer for how cannily the album sustains its mix of droll delivery and pure heartbreak.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
26 Oct. 2025
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Providing the funding also safeguards the revenue and economic benefit that sustains rural communities around the park, state officials said.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s made from 100 percent cashmere certified by The Good Cashmere Standard organization, which supports responsible production in Mongolia.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Attest data supports concerns around mental health, with a quarter of parents admitting their child struggles often.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The only thing that carries any water is making up something to attack Gretchen.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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Freedom of speech carries a responsibility to exercise it in a manner that respects the safety and rights of others.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Novartis bolsters treatments for rare muscle disorders With this acquisition, Novartis is expanding into areas with limited treatment options, while strengthening its presence in the rare disease landscape.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
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Their recent trend of going 5-1 against the spread after a win further bolsters their position.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undergirds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirds. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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