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

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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 Chaudhry emphasized that the Pentagon’s budget proposal also requests significant funding to integrate AI into the software systems that undergird the military’s nuclear command and control structure. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026 The financial manipulations that undergirded their fortunes get scrutinized as theft from the public purse, praise for their courage and perspicacity yields to condemnation for their conduct. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Less apparent, though, is the dramatic shift in domestic security doctrine that undergirds these efforts. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 This week, Ars hosted a live discussion with Ross Scott about the Stop Killing Games movement and its ongoing efforts to ensure that games remain playable even after the original publisher shuts down the online servers undergirding them. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undergird
Verb
  • Its extended takes were conceived from the outset to sustain the audience’s emotional involvement.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Asked whether companies could sustain strong profit growth in the third quarter, Dalio said investors should focus on free cash flow rather than earnings alone.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operated by the USN as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI supporting an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That is an extraordinarily broad claim, and current evidence does not support it.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • An ammunition depot was hit, as were a bulk carrier in the Chornomorsk port carrying dual-use goods and port infrastructure in Izmail, the ministry said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As the hundreds of thousands of people made their way down the narrow roads following the politician, a few rerouted into the industry event, still carrying big flags and with faces lit up with hope.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hospitals bolster their side by hiring risk adjustment specialists and employing AI tools, while health insurers hire payment integrity specialists and employ different AI tools.
    — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • During the past decade, Moscow has sought to bolster its influence in the region by hosting regular consultations on Afghanistan involving senior representatives of the Taliban and neighboring nations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undergird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undergird. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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