as in weakens
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 undermines
Sketches are a bit punchier and backdrops more elaborate, though not in a way that undermines the Muppets’ scrappy, analog aesthetic.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
And the Australian the system relies on lump-sum withdrawals, which undermines lifetime income security.
—Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Scientists have used one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to find out how microscopic damage to turbine blades undermines jet engine performance, fuel efficiency and durability.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
Ismay argued that paying circulators undermines the interests of South Dakotans by allowing out-of-state interests to fund campaigns meant to change the state.
—John Hult, States Newsroom, 28 Jan. 2026
While no one will forget Payton going for it on fourth down, no one will remember Jokic’s fourth MVP award if his health undermines a championship season.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
This trend, combined with apparent political interference in investigative and prosecutorial decisions, undermines public trust, the legitimacy of our institutions, and the rule of law.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Its sheer loveliness almost completely undermines the menace of that rictus on the cover.
—Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
Zelle issued a statement claiming that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s suit undermines Zelle, and will empower criminals and hurt small businesses and community banks.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
And the Australian the system relies on lump-sum withdrawals, which undermines lifetime income security.
—Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Scientists have used one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to find out how microscopic damage to turbine blades undermines jet engine performance, fuel efficiency and durability.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
Ismay argued that paying circulators undermines the interests of South Dakotans by allowing out-of-state interests to fund campaigns meant to change the state.
—John Hult, States Newsroom, 28 Jan. 2026
While no one will forget Payton going for it on fourth down, no one will remember Jokic’s fourth MVP award if his health undermines a championship season.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
This trend, combined with apparent political interference in investigative and prosecutorial decisions, undermines public trust, the legitimacy of our institutions, and the rule of law.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Its sheer loveliness almost completely undermines the menace of that rictus on the cover.
—Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
Zelle issued a statement claiming that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s suit undermines Zelle, and will empower criminals and hurt small businesses and community banks.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
Verb
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When CEOs treat financial advice as a substitute for judgment, leadership starts to erode, decisions slow down, and conviction weakens.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s focus on the Western Hemisphere — as a show of might that weakens China’s geostrategic influence, Nikkei wrote.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Confidence erodes, even when results look strong.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Although anger may blow over when the argument is over, the impact of hostile language stays with your partner and erodes the foundation of trust and safety in your relationship.—
Molly Burrets,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Excess glucose also impairs our brain's functioning.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation impairs attention, disrupts decision-making and alters the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The meatpacking giant also charges workers when someone takes or damages their personal protective equipment and insists on a three-year agreement, the union said.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
To explore that possibility, researchers at University College London and Queen Square Analytics set out to look beyond symptoms and clinical labels and focus instead on the biological signals of how MS damages the brain.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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