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
Washington and Lee’s commitment to freedom of expression undergirds its ethos of civility.
—
Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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
Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergirds
Verb
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Ayton sustains knee injury in first quarter Lakers center Deandre Ayton left the game in the first quarter after sustaining a knee injury.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Read side by side, the books also demonstrate the collective labor that sustains Ukrainian poetry today.—
Alex Averbuch,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the top of the list of must-haves for a home office, the ability to carve out a space that supports both work output and mental clarity is key.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
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Today’s Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse, which supports your domestic life through honest conversations and small changes.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Casap may never change after ‘horrific’ crimes First-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Finally, many families will need to analyze whether to invest alone or with partners – a decision that carries its own set of advantages and trade‑offs.—
Belinda G. Schwartz,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Abbas Kiarostami’s work, embracing the way that people who aren’t in the movie business talk and move bolsters the films’ documentary essence.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
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The new retail arrival bolsters Stonebriar Centre, which is set to bring in others this year.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undergirds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergirds. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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