undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent How to pronounce undergo (audio) ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
also -ˈgän
 ; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ
 ; undergoes
ˌən-dər-ˈgōz
Synonyms of undergo

transitive verb

1
: to submit to : endure
2
: to go through : experience
undergo a transformation
3
obsolete : undertake
4
obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms of undergo

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Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation. some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers are the experienced position players on a team now fully undergoing a youth movement that was launched when president of baseball operations Buster Posey hit the reset button at the trade deadline. — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026 Before Theo was finally able to be discharged from Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children on June 23, the 5-year-old had already undergone more than 200 procedures — 48 of which were life-saving. — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 Performance reviews under the CZMA are not uncommon — most states are subject to a routine review every five to 10 years — but what’s unusual in this case is that California had just undergone a review during the Biden administration. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Podcast discovery has undergone a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional apps and word-of-mouth. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undergo

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for undergo

See All Rhymes for undergo

Browse Nearby Words

underglaze
undergo
undergoer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undergo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undergo. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undergo

verb
un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent
-ˈwent
 ; undergone -ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
also -ˈgän
 ; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
1
: endure sense 2
undergo an operation
2
: to pass through : experience
undergoing a change

More from Merriam-Webster on undergo

Nglish: Translation of undergo for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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