underwrite

verb

un·​der·​write ˈən-dər-ˌrīt How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrīt,
ˌən-də-
underwrote ˈən-dər-ˌrōt How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrōt,
ˌən-də-
; underwritten ˈən-dər-ˌri-tᵊn How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈri-tᵊn,
ˌən-də-
; underwriting ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tiŋ How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrī-,
ˌən-də-

transitive verb

1
: to write under or at the end of something else
2
: to set one's name to (an insurance policy) for the purpose of thereby becoming answerable for a designated loss or damage on consideration of receiving a premium percent : insure on life or property
also : to assume liability for (a sum or risk) as an insurer
3
: to subscribe to : agree to
4
a
: to agree to purchase (something, such as security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with a view to public distribution
b
: to guarantee financial support of
underwrite a project

intransitive verb

: to work as an underwriter

Examples of underwrite in a Sentence

a university willing to underwrite an archaeological expedition
Recent Examples on the Web Richard Worley and Leslie Miller, prominent supporters of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center, are underwriting the name change with a generous $25 million gift. Melissa Noel, Essence, 29 Feb. 2024 Yet while mission control tries to keep him focused on matters at hand – and underwrites the venture by having Jakub, a celebrity back home, read ads for things like anti-nausea medication – all is not well back on Earth. Brian Lowry, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 Such an event will drive home the lesson that simply opposing Chinese power and ambitions—whether by stacking up barriers to Beijing’s capabilities and influence or shoring up deterrence—will not by itself underwrite a strategic relationship that can survive the coming decade. Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 9 Feb. 2024 Yet it could be argued that with security underwritten by the US and Europe, given a chance, neighbouring countries might allow a kind of neutral Swiss vibe to flourish where their silent money can go to hide and multiply. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Restoration is to begin this month, underwritten by some government funding. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Jews have underwritten the progress of civilization. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2024 While some insurers are no longer underwriting in entertainment entirely, those that are new to the space are imposing strict requirements for thorough and detailed submissions, operational summaries, supplemental applications and a track record of positive experience. Andrew Forchelli, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2024 Hundreds of billions of dollars are being poured into the development and improvement of lithium batteries of all types, with governments underwriting much of the investment. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underwrite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwrite was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near underwrite

Cite this Entry

“Underwrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwrite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underwrite

verb
un·​der·​write ˈən-də(r)-ˌrīt How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
ˌən-də(r)-ˈrīt
underwrote -ˌrōt How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
-ˈrōt
; underwritten -ˌrit-ᵊn How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
-ˈrit-ᵊn
; underwriting -ˌrīt-iŋ How to pronounce underwrite (audio)
-ˈrīt-
1
: to write under or at the end of something else
2
: to set one's name to (an insurance policy) and thereby agree to insure against specified loss or damage
3
: to agree to
4
a
: to agree to purchase (as security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with a plan of distribution to the public
b
: to guarantee financial support of
underwrite an expedition
underwriter
ˈən-də(r)-ˌrīt-ər
noun

Legal Definition

underwrite

transitive verb
underwrote -ˌrōt, -ˈrōt How to pronounce underwrite (audio) ; underwritten -ˌrit-ᵊn, -ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce underwrite (audio) ; underwriting
1
a
: to assume liability for (a risk) as an insurer
the insurer underwrites individuals, not the group, in franchise health insurance
b
: to issue or set the terms of (an insurance policy)
2
: to agree to purchase (all or part of a security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with the purpose or plan to resell by means of a public offering
was a security brokerage firm which as part of its business underwrote speculative new issuesUFITEC, S.A. v. Carter, 135 Cal. Rptr. 607 (1977)
3
a
: to put up funds for or guarantee financial support of
b
: to assess the risk of (as a loan)

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