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
That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
It is believed internally that the organization’s independence has been dramatically compromised because she is also perceived as an opinion journalist with political ties to the current administration, which further undermines her credibility.
—
Andrew Lack,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Sorsby might argue that the NFL, in denying him a supplemental draft, undermines his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar state law.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 June 2026
Anything less undermines that purpose.
—
Nicole Jorwic,
STAT,
23 June 2026
That undermines the democratic order.
—
Stephanie A,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Poor sleep also undermines decision making and emotional regulation, two capacities that many successful professionals depend upon every day for work and which are also essential for wellness.
—
Ezekiel J. Emanuel,
Fortune,
21 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
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
It is believed internally that the organization’s independence has been dramatically compromised because she is also perceived as an opinion journalist with political ties to the current administration, which further undermines her credibility.
—
Andrew Lack,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Sorsby might argue that the NFL, in denying him a supplemental draft, undermines his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar state law.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 June 2026
Anything less undermines that purpose.
—
Nicole Jorwic,
STAT,
23 June 2026
That undermines the democratic order.
—
Stephanie A,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Poor sleep also undermines decision making and emotional regulation, two capacities that many successful professionals depend upon every day for work and which are also essential for wellness.
—
Ezekiel J. Emanuel,
Fortune,
21 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
Verb
-
When foreign investors pull money out of the country, demand for the rupiah drops, and the currency weakens.
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Every interaction either builds confidence or weakens it.
Verb
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The best exits often happen while the story is still strong, before defensive thinking erodes momentum, talent and valuation.
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This undermines financial stability, erodes reserves intended for true emergencies, and increases the likelihood of necessary cuts or emergency measures in the future.
Verb
-
Disrupting essential frontline activities and tier huddles can cause a domino effect that impairs future lean efforts rather than lay a foundation for improvement.
-
Poor sleep impairs barrier function and slows the overnight repair window, and chronic sleep restriction visibly accelerates aging.
Verb
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Most notably, those who switched faced a 24% higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
-
Your Eyes High blood pressure also damages the sensitive back lining of the eye called the retina.
Cite this Entry
“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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