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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of undermining
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
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Many analysts and activists say this is the result of decades of Israeli policy aimed at sabotaging the two-state solution by building Jewish settlements on Palestinian land and undermining the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the territory.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
Filter Out Sensitive Or Harmful Training Data Thoughtful data design, like filtering out sensitive or harmful training content, can make AI systems safer without undermining their intelligence.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Resources shift from productive activity to lobbying, undermining both fairness and growth.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Caracas insists the buildup is part of a broader campaign directed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
By targeting us – the creators who give voice to diverse narratives and foster dialogue – these signatories are undermining their own cause and attempting to silence us.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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
At the same time, though, business leaders are presumably well aware that Trump is undermining the laws and norms on which commerce is based.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Many analysts and activists say this is the result of decades of Israeli policy aimed at sabotaging the two-state solution by building Jewish settlements on Palestinian land and undermining the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the territory.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
Filter Out Sensitive Or Harmful Training Data Thoughtful data design, like filtering out sensitive or harmful training content, can make AI systems safer without undermining their intelligence.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Resources shift from productive activity to lobbying, undermining both fairness and growth.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Caracas insists the buildup is part of a broader campaign directed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
By targeting us – the creators who give voice to diverse narratives and foster dialogue – these signatories are undermining their own cause and attempting to silence us.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermining
Noun
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Since 1850, the island has lost two-thirds of its landmass due to erosion and rising sea level.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The film captures the artist’s confrontation with age, mortality and time’s erosion.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the central bank is now shifting focus to a weakening labor market, as job growth has slowed in recent months.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Amodei’s comments come as recent data points to a labor market that is weakening quicker than expected.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its onslaught of Russian oil and gas facilities, further damaging an economy that is beginning to show cracks.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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However, in 2021, USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class submarine, struck an object while submerged during a voyage in the region, injuring sailors and damaging its hull.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Israel launches Gaza City ground offensive Israel launched its ground offensive into Gaza City, further eroding prospects for a ceasefire in the enclave, which is already facing a humanitarian catastrophe.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The work is part of Phase 5 of the bluff stabilization project, which began in 2024 as part of an effort to protect the eroding bluffs from earthquakes, sea level rise and other factors.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The researchers speculate that increases in fine particulate matter could be reducing running performance by constricting blood vessels, increasing inflammation, and impairing lung and brain function, but further research is needed to pin down the exact mechanisms at play.—
Claire Maldarelli,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
-
First, the rules under which community associations operate emphasize the protections of the residents’ rights, while not unduly impairing the ability of the association to carry out their responsibilities to the community as a whole.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of pulling out a Magic Eraser to free the gunk (and compromising the protective coating), let the cookware soak for a bit before scrubbing it with a sponge or bristle brush.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
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Having a solid structure in place can allow kindness to thrive without compromising the performance of your team or operations.—
Roxana Diaconu,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undermining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermining. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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