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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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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That’s what sustains a culture over the long term.—
Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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What sustains us is Julia Roberts and the cast.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Landau understands and supports not just Bruce’s vision but Bruce himself, which is how Nebraska, so bleak and bewitching, eventually emerges into the world.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
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One where technology quietly supports independence, rather than defines it.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The November 17th already carries considerable weight due to Cena's farewell.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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The dukedom of York also carries a dark history, prompting speculation that the title itself may be unlucky, Vanity Fair reported.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The purchase by the Santa Clara County Housing Authority bolsters the agency’s mission to preserve affordable homes in the South Bay.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
23 Oct. 2025
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The move bolsters its commitment to the region’s audiovisual industry where Cimarrón has already been active in Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undergirds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirds. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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