UNDERMINING Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

undermining 1 of 2

noun

as in erosion

a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction the view that the constant mudslinging and negative campaigning contributes to the undermining of the public's faith in politics and government

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undermining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of undermine

as in weakening

to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss. The events of the past year have undermined people's confidence in the government.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of undermining

Noun

The fine reflected an improper disclosure of a draft candidate’s data and the undermining of trade secrets. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 June 2026 The concentration of power in one person, the undermining of elections, disregarding the rule of law, the weakening checks and balances, and replacing constitutional loyalty with personal loyalty. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026 This is a direct undermining of the idea of art. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 Long commute times are certainly frustrating, but continual undermining of mass transit projects isn’t going to solve the problem. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026 What is the purpose of this layering and undermining of the story’s authenticity? — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 The undermining of an independent judiciary. — Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 What is required is a pullback - on huge deficits, on aggravating international and internal relationships, and on the undermining of historical foundations of the United States. — John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Flores and Cantello also said many of their colleagues were placed on administrative leave after signing a letter of dissent criticizing EPA leadership’s undermining of public trust and disregard for scientific consensus. — William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

Verb

For undermining traditional religious authority, he was eventually sentenced to death. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026 Partying, drinking, Greek life, sports, and other forms of college life always risked undermining the educational project—and vice versa. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 After that report, and Warsh's tough talk on inflation late last month, most economists argue that Warsh will have to hike rates or risk undermining his credibility with financial markets. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026 After that report, and Warsh’s tough talk on inflation late last month, most economists argue that Warsh will have to hike rates or risk undermining his credibility with financial markets. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Protecting that opportunity requires both strong operators and a regulatory environment that holds bad actors accountable without undermining those who are investing responsibly in their communities. — Jeff Cook, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026 Producer Cattleya Paosrijarern, whose work centers on independent and auteur cinema, says international shoots and homegrown storytelling can coexist without one undermining the other. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Aron said that the increasingly popular practice of tokenization allows the brokerage to create exposure to AMC stock without the issuing company's involvement, undermining the traditional relationship between companies and their shareholders. — Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 Desalination is becoming increasingly popular, especially as the climate crisis drives more severe heat and drought, undermining water security. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermining

Noun

The wind will also rough up seas considerably and cause significant beach erosion and coastal flooding at high tide Friday into Saturday.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
The combination of swells and high tides could worsen coastal flooding and erosion.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of erosion

Verb

Already, many import-dependent countries face shortages, fiscal pressure, and in some cases a difficult choice between cutting fuel subsidies and risking unrest or maintaining them and further weakening public finances.

— RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
Long-range seasonal guidance analyzed by Severe Weather Europe shows the stratospheric circulation potentially weakening during January and February.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of weakening

Verb

Of course, those tires were severely flat-spotted and had to be changed, but that’s better than damaging the car’s bodywork or suspension.

— Jerry Perez, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
But experts like geoscientist Rajendran say construction has caused damage in other communities where hydropower projects are being built, including damaging mountain springs, causing homes to crack and even landslides.

— Mamita Bhandari, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of damaging

Verb

When the water receded, the cliffs were exposed and began eroding, revealing prehistoric remains.

— Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
And the risk factors — high spending, low growth, rising debt and elevated borrowing costs — lead some economists to warn that while Russia's economy has not collapsed, its structural foundations are eroding dangerously.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

Too Much Vitamin B6 and Nerve Damage Taking high doses of B6 may cause numbness, a pins-and-needles sensation, or pain in your legs, impairing your ability to walk.

— Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026
Summary Quality sleep is crucial for leaders' performance, yet unpredictable schedules often lead to sleep deprivation, thus impairing vital cognitive functions like memory.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of impairing

Verb

Seventy years ago, Blancpain proved that making a women’s watch smaller did not mean compromising its mechanics.

— Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
Through this, authorities have improved response times to sudden events such as blockages, signal failures or crowding without compromising live operations.

— Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of compromising

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undermines

undermining

undermost

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Style

“Undermining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermining. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of undermining

noun

verb

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