Definition of undergirdnext
as in to sustain
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 undergird Even cheaper or open-source AI models from smaller companies could soon enable this sort of hacking—which would unsettle the basic security and privacy that undergird the modern internet. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 The frontier myth undergirded their policies. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 In the summer of 2020, massive riots erupted over the murder of George Floyd, undergirded by a powerful social justice movement. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 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 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Wembanyama sustained the concussion in the first half of Tuesday’s 106-103 loss to the Blazers in San Antonio and did not return to the game.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In the absence of federal leadership, sustaining impactful state programs are now more critical than ever.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Your browser does not support the video tag.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Zendaya − Holland's fiancée (or perhaps wife, if her longtime stylist Law Roach is to be believed) − also stopped by to support, in a stunning blue-and-white sundress.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • That projection is based on the player’s performance in each metric over the last three seasons (five for goalies), weighted for recency where more recent seasons carry more significance and regressed to the mean.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Moon amplifies Jupiter, helping your words land clearly and carry weight.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Those years of high draft picks have led to a roster with impressive high-end talent in its young core, and general manager Pat Verbeek added a slate of veteran signees to bolster it.
    Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • Orange juice – rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate and sometimes vitamin D – has solid nutritional benefits that can bolster your immune system and your skin health.
    Gavin Escott, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster