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Synonyms

undergo

American  
[uhn-der-goh] / ˌʌn dərˈgoʊ /

verb (used with object)

underwent, undergone, undergoing
  1. to be subjected to; experience; pass through.

    to undergo surgery.

    Antonyms:
    avoid
  2. to endure; sustain; suffer.

    to undergo sustained deprivation.

    Synonyms:
    tolerate, bear

undergo British  
/ ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ /

verb

  1. (tr) to experience, endure, or sustain

    to undergo a dramatic change of feelings

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What is another way to say undergo? To undergo something is to be subjected to or to endure that thing. How does undergo differ from experience? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

  • undergoer noun

Etymology

Origin of undergo

First recorded before 1000; Middle English undergon, Old English undergān. See under-, go 1

Explanation

Undergo means "endure until something is complete." You might undergo testing to check your hearing or undergo special training if you want to volunteer at a homeless shelter. The verb undergo means "experience" or "undertake." It is often used to describe medical procedures, such as, an injured quarterback who will undergo shoulder surgery. The word implies that it is something that has to happen so that a positive change occurs, like healing in the case of the quarterback or greater communication skills for a hot-tempered person who undergoes anger management training.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing undergo

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Flight attendants undergo extensive, ongoing training to manage a wide range of onboard scenarios.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Companies wanting to take part must undergo a special authorisation process, including to rule out any Russian ties, before they can purchase weapons and train their staff.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

And beyond his outsize presence on the course, Woods has played a leading role reshaping the PGA Tour while it prepares to undergo significant change.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

He said he would like his body to undergo terramation, when his time finally comes.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Then he announced that he was leaving Valley Forge to undergo treatment for his advanced-stage cancer.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore