underwrite
verb
un·der·write
ˈən-dər-ˌrīt
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrīt,
ˌən-də-
underwrote
ˈən-dər-ˌrōt
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrōt,
ˌən-də-
; underwritten
ˈən-dər-ˌri-tᵊn
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈri-tᵊn,
ˌən-də-
; underwriting
ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tiŋ
ˈən-də-,
ˌən-dər-ˈrī-,
ˌən-də-
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
: to work as an underwriter
Cite this Entry
“Underwrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwrite. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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