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Showing results for undergird. Search instead for Undergirds.
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

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

They talked about the entire structure that ought to undergird American democracy, how it has been compromised, and what we miss about the fight over norms.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2023

We will undergird his consciousness and his dreams.

From Crowds A Moving-Picture of Democracy by Lee, Gerald Stanley