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

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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 administration’s vocal accusations that allies have moved away from commitments to democracy, free speech, and other values that undergird Western civilization, particularly noted in Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, further deteriorated the relationship. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2026 For gamblers, especially younger ones who are just starting to earn and build the savings that will undergird their retirements, that can mean life-altering losses of wealth and financial stability. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • And in part, that’s because the technology that sustains it has become so complicated and so complex that no one can be across all of it.
    Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
  • The carefree, hyper-commercial fantasy once sold by the music industry feels harder to sustain in an era shaped by economic anxiety, climate dread, burnout culture, and perpetual online consciousness.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • And even many doctors didn't know how to support her.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and seeking medical advice for severe dryness or other symptoms can support your recovery.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • What to read next However, one hurdle will be making sure there is enough wind to carry the dandelion drones.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 25 May 2026
  • Memorial Day also carries a message to not have more wars.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • The weekend also presents an ideal opportunity to bolster the defensive front.
    Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
  • Europe bolsters military alliances over Russia fears Mounting concern in Europe over Russia’s military ambitions — and a lack of confidence in US support — is driving new defense alliances across the continent.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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