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Showing results for undergird. Search instead for under girds.
Definitions

undergird

[uhn-der-gurd] / ˌʌn dərˈgɜrd /
VERB
support
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bolster hold reinforce uphold
STRONG
base bear bed bottom brace buttress carry cradle crutch embed found ground mainstay poise prop shore shoulder stand stay strut sustain
WEAK
be a foundation for keep from falling keep up shore up upbear
Antonyms
STRONGEST
undermine weaken
STRONG
drop fall let go refuse
WEAK
contradict disapprove let down neglect oppose reject release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Insider-trading rules backed by criminal penalties undergird confident stock trading.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

We try and understand the meaning systems that undergird whatever group we’re studying.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

Aquilino said the AI can undergird U.S. military “decision superiority:” dominance in the tactical decision-making process to maintain advantages over potential enemies.

From Washington Times • Dec. 3, 2023

For many Americans, the 138-year-old technology of cars is synonymous with freedom, even though American drivers don’t realize the high subsidies that undergird car culture.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Near Naxos, Brasidas, after vainly trying to make a friendly haven, bade his sailors undergird the ship with heavy cables, for the timbers seemed starting.

From A Victor of Salamis by Davis, William Stearns

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.