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
The Big 12 also has its own sports betting policy that forbids coaches, staff and athletes from engaging in sports wagering activity that undermines the integrity of games.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
Progressives across the country have spent years arguing that unlimited outside spending distorts democracy, empowers wealthy interests, and undermines trust in government.
—Julie Won, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
On four separate occasions, Hinchcliffe turns to an audience member of a particular demographic to reinforce a stereotype about them and the audience member’s response introduces nuance that undermines his premise.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 June 2026
In fans, the hooliganism that undermines goodwill is revealed in the incredible lack of Temperance.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
According to Cynthia Brown, senior ethics counsel at the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a decision to entrust stock to such close associates undermines the purpose of a blind trust, which is to ensure that a lawmaker’s investments are independently managed.
—Abe Streep, ProPublica, 9 June 2026
But the prospect of it undermines the premise of the Alt5-World Liberty deal.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Pointing to Florida as a model, Benson argued that California’s prolonged vote counting undermines public confidence and contrasts poorly with states that report results quickly and efficiently.
—Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026
Discretion exercised arbitrarily undermines it.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 June 2026
Progressives across the country have spent years arguing that unlimited outside spending distorts democracy, empowers wealthy interests, and undermines trust in government.
—Julie Won, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
On four separate occasions, Hinchcliffe turns to an audience member of a particular demographic to reinforce a stereotype about them and the audience member’s response introduces nuance that undermines his premise.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 June 2026
In fans, the hooliganism that undermines goodwill is revealed in the incredible lack of Temperance.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
According to Cynthia Brown, senior ethics counsel at the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a decision to entrust stock to such close associates undermines the purpose of a blind trust, which is to ensure that a lawmaker’s investments are independently managed.
—Abe Streep, ProPublica, 9 June 2026
But the prospect of it undermines the premise of the Alt5-World Liberty deal.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Pointing to Florida as a model, Benson argued that California’s prolonged vote counting undermines public confidence and contrasts poorly with states that report results quickly and efficiently.
—Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026
Discretion exercised arbitrarily undermines it.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
Verb
-
Restricting those channels weakens influence competitors have struggled to match.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Iran’s government warned that any division at home over the deal weakens its negotiating position, and that those criticizing negotiators are taking aim at a national decision.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance can remain visible even while relational health erodes.—
Britton Bloch,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Multiple groups complained that the amendment erodes CPUC’s oversight authority, unfairly benefits big companies such as A&T and would lead to a host of potential problems hurting customers in rural as well as urban areas.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Poor sleep impairs barrier function and slows the overnight repair window, and chronic sleep restriction visibly accelerates aging.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
-
Poor sleep impairs barrier function and accelerates visible aging.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Dana Sue and Ronnie's strained relationship is exasperated by a fire that breaks out — accelerated by off-brand e-bikes Ronnie bought behind Dana Sue’s back and stored in their garage — and damages their house.—
Francesca Gariano,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
-
Roslovic’s poor playoff showing severely damages his chances of earning an extension with the Oilers for next season and of a sizable deal elsewhere.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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