underwriter

noun

un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər How to pronounce underwriter (audio)
ˈən-də-
Synonyms of underwriternext
1
: one that underwrites : guarantor
2
a
: one that underwrites a policy of insurance : insurer
b
: one who selects risks to be solicited or rates the acceptability of risks solicited
3
: one that underwrites a security issue

Examples of underwriter in a Sentence

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.
The top experts in those domains become the critical verifiers and underwriters of agentic work. — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026 The call comes at the end of a mandatory 25-day quiet period for underwriters of the SpaceX IPO. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 7 July 2026 During the past decade, underwriters have pushed buzzy tech companies into adopting more staggered or shortened release dates for insiders to sell their shares, some even contingent on earnings or stock-price increases to dampen the flow. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026 SpaceX raised a total of $86 billion after underwriters exercised their right to sell additional shares, on top of the $75 billion initially raised. — Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for underwriter

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underwriter was in 1622

Rhymes for underwriter

See All Rhymes for underwriter

Browse Nearby Words

underwrite
underwriter
undescended
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Cite this Entry

“Underwriter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwriter. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Legal Definition

underwriter

noun
un·​der·​writ·​er ˈən-dər-ˌrī-tər How to pronounce underwriter (audio)
1
a
: a person (as an individual or a company) who underwrites an insurance policy : insurer
b
: a person who assesses risks to be covered by an insurance policy
2
: a person (as an individual or company) who underwrites a security issue compare issuer

Note: The Securities Act of 1933 requires dealers, issuers, and underwriters to file registration statements for the securities that they sell.

More from Merriam-Webster on underwriter

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for underwriter

Nglish: Translation of underwriter for Spanish Speakers

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