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 The discoveries in these regions have undergirded a nascent area of scientific inquiry. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 31 Dec. 2024 The same impulse undergirds Georgians’ repeatedly expressed preference for liberal democracy, which is valued not only on its own terms but also as a bulwark against Russian-style tyranny. Christian Caryl, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024 One theory undergirding the live event, according to the sources, is that many viewers are open to new options and alternatives to traditional political coverage. Brian Stelter, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024 For a hybrid team, this is exactly the right place to start building the social contract that undergirds everything the team does. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for undergird 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Damage was sustained to four city garbage trucks and four businesses, including a Brooks Brothers store and a Chase Bank, the department said.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Today, its exhibits feature live animals, taxidermy specimens, recreations of the region’s former prairies and woodlands, and educational materials about sustaining the natural environment.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For example, the USDA invested about $6.6 billion to support rural development between 2017 and 2021, but only about $138 million went to tribal communities.
    Frank Vaisvilas, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In the last 20 years, Intermountain Church Planters, an organization that supports church plants in the Intermountain West, has planted nearly 30 churches this way, including seven in the Treasure Valley, according to data its leaders shared with the Statesman.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Earth's upper crust contains around 3.5% iron, and dust generated on impact would carry these nutrients into the ocean, along with any additional iron that might be carried by the asteroid.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The charge of interfering with flight crew members carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Even more alarmingly, his recent hateful rhetoric has begun to embolden white supremacists who’ve recently been spreading bigoted hate speech — and using West’s name to bolster their arguments.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
  • And regular activity levels can help bolster sleep quality, which can improve focus during performances too, McMillian says.
    Jordan Smith, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near undergird

Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 21 Feb. 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!