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to underwrite

to underwrite

16 7.9
To promise to provide money for a project if needed
  • verb
  • /ˌʌndərˈraɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : respaldar
  • The foundation agreed to underwrite the project's costs to support local artists.
  • underwrite a program
  • taxpayers annually underwrite
  • underwrite the effort

The government is like helping underwrite that thing that's cultural export.

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Examples

  • He also intends to underwrite the reconstruction of the Convent of Saint Tomas.

  • Saudi Arabia and Kuwait helped underwrite many of the arms purchases.

    Academic text (1991)
  • As a result, Korea was particularly short of capital resources needed to underwrite the expansion of public education.

    Academic text (1992)
  • And he says he's ready to underwrite the entire operation.

  • We get a brokerage house to underwrite the stock issue.

  • Given the improved financial situation of India, even a medium-level private company could easily underwrite the $7 billion project.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The church leaders suggested that the programs be underwritten by foundations and listed several recommendations for carrying out their plan.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In June, MENC called the "Start the Music" Early Childhood Summit, which was underwritten by a grant from the Texaco Foundation.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Past improvements in age-related health have been the result of biomedical breakthroughs largely underwritten by federal scientific support.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Several corporations have decided to underwrite the conference to ensure its success.

Synonyms

to bankroll
vsto underwrite
29 6.3

To give money to help a project, person, or organization

assumes financial risk and formally guarantees funding rather than merely paying
to subvention
vsto underwrite
  • Formal
9.9

To give money to help an activity or group

guarantees funding by assuming risk or promising support
to subvent
vsto underwrite
  • Formal
9.9

Give money to help pay for something, usually by a grant

guarantees payment or support by taking on risk rather than just giving

Antonyms

159 3.5

To take money or things out of a place where they are kept

How Supportive

guarantee
  • Formal
169 3.5
to underwrite
  • Specialized
16 7.9
to finance
277 3.3
to sponsor
362 3.7
to support
753 1.4
help
1.0

Surface Forms

underwrite infinitive
underwriting present participle
underwrites third person singular
underwrote past
underwritten past participle

Morphology

underwrite = write (opaque) = under + write

Although formally under + write, the modern sense 'guarantee/assume financial risk' is a specialized/legalized meaning not directly inferable from the components.

Etymology

Underwrite comes from the old practice of signing your name under a plan to promise money; under- means 'below' and write means 'to sign'. So, to underwrite a project is to guarantee its funding.