as in weakened
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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Recent Examples of undermined
Ultimately, Dolan and Huang say, this method undermined China's goal to build positive influence.
—
Fatma Tanis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
His actions have undermined our democracy and made America a laughingstock.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Much of the drama is undermined by the odd choice to have the characters explain exactly what is happening (presumably for the slowpokes in the back).
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Over the last year, Kennedy has repeatedly undermined public trust in the scientists and doctors who work for him.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
After getting two appointments right (Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo), Marinakis has reverted to type, with impulsive and erratic decision-making having undermined Forest’s campaign from the start.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Chapman also said the scheme has further undermined the public’s trust in government even in a state with an indisputably sordid history of political corruption.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
The petition alleges nine separate grounds -- including juror misconduct and government suppression of evidence -- for Ghislaine Maxwell's contention that constitutional violations undermined the integrity of her 2021 trial.
—James Longman, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Unfortunately, my opponent’s record shows a pattern of ethical lapses, financial mismanagement, & self-promotion that has undermined trust in this office.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Fatma Tanis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
His actions have undermined our democracy and made America a laughingstock.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Much of the drama is undermined by the odd choice to have the characters explain exactly what is happening (presumably for the slowpokes in the back).
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
Over the last year, Kennedy has repeatedly undermined public trust in the scientists and doctors who work for him.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026
After getting two appointments right (Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo), Marinakis has reverted to type, with impulsive and erratic decision-making having undermined Forest’s campaign from the start.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Chapman also said the scheme has further undermined the public’s trust in government even in a state with an indisputably sordid history of political corruption.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
The petition alleges nine separate grounds -- including juror misconduct and government suppression of evidence -- for Ghislaine Maxwell's contention that constitutional violations undermined the integrity of her 2021 trial.
—James Longman, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Unfortunately, my opponent’s record shows a pattern of ethical lapses, financial mismanagement, & self-promotion that has undermined trust in this office.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermined
Verb
-
The Mutawa, as the religious police are known, had their powers significantly weakened in 2016.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Well, he's weakened the regulations on clean cars.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The new caretaker premier will be supported by a cabinet of experts in his main tasks of ensuring fair and transparent elections and restoring public trust in institutions, which has been eroded by political uncertainty.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The use of face coverings by federal agents has intensified intimidation and eroded trust by shielding agents from identification and accountability.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maternity units and hospitals have been damaged during the Russia-Ukraine war.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Up to 400 works in one of the Egyptian antiquities libraries in the museum were damaged in December when a pipe burst because of flooding, the museum’s deputy general administrator said at the time.—
Babak Dehghanpisheh,
NBC news,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
State police said investigators believed that the driver was impaired based on observation before her transport.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Garcia pleaded guilty in December 2024 to driving while impaired and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and around $1,500 in fines and restitution.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Some speculation has existed about whether the basic physiological processes necessary for intercourse, particularly for men, might be compromised by microgravity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Feb. 2026
-
If members’ faith in the organization or its leadership is shaken by this episode, the union’s ability to leverage collective action would be compromised.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Unlike conventional implants that anchor in the jawbone, zygomatic implants extend into the cheekbone (zygoma), which remains dense even when jaw bone has deteriorated.—
Malana VanTyler,
jsonline.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Thousands of doctors being paid state wages that can hardly afford them a carton of eggs have emigrated from the country and hospitals have rapidly deteriorated.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermined. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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