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.
Additionally, right-hander Adrian Houser underwent an MRI on Wednesday that revealed a right flexor strain. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 Historic Preservation Commission members voted Thursday to approve exterior changes to the mansion’s original design plan as the building, now more than a century old, undergoes restoration and renovation as part of a new residential development. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 It was announced earlier this year that Mette-Marit would temporarily step back from royal duties to undergo a lung transplant after she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic progressive lung disease with a poor prognosis, in 2018. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The lowest point of Barbara Demorest's breast cancer journey wasn't her diagnosis, or undergoing a mastectomy. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 28 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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