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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of undermining
Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Critics argue that billionaire owners could censor critical commentary, undermining journalism's role in holding power accountable.
—Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Widespread unlicensed vending is threatening the livelihoods of licensed operators, undermining public health, and exposing major flaws in the enforcement of the city’s regulations.
—John Murn, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025
An independent review later revealed that none of the drugs used since 2018 were fully tested as required, undermining public trust.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Through a series of decisions, the court has effectively handed more power to the executive branch, undermining the delicate balance of power that underpins American democracy.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2025
This decision has ominous implications for the future of American democracy, effectively concentrating power in the executive branch and undermining the rule of law.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2025
However, this approach risks introducing manipulative behaviors and undermining authenticity in relationships.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
One in three individuals has used leftover antibiotics or obtained them without a prescription, undermining proper treatment and fueling resistance.
—Maria Bolevich, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in how the rule is applied, potentially undermining the fairness of the game.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Critics argue that billionaire owners could censor critical commentary, undermining journalism's role in holding power accountable.
—Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Widespread unlicensed vending is threatening the livelihoods of licensed operators, undermining public health, and exposing major flaws in the enforcement of the city’s regulations.
—John Murn, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025
An independent review later revealed that none of the drugs used since 2018 were fully tested as required, undermining public trust.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Through a series of decisions, the court has effectively handed more power to the executive branch, undermining the delicate balance of power that underpins American democracy.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2025
This decision has ominous implications for the future of American democracy, effectively concentrating power in the executive branch and undermining the rule of law.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2025
However, this approach risks introducing manipulative behaviors and undermining authenticity in relationships.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
One in three individuals has used leftover antibiotics or obtained them without a prescription, undermining proper treatment and fueling resistance.
—Maria Bolevich, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermining
Noun
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The tracks follow the edge of the beach for about six miles there, where the rails are threatened on one side by coastal erosion and on the other side by crumbling bluffs.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
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But just as erosion happens by degrees, so does repair.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Gerrymandering reduces electoral competition, entrenches incumbents, and marginalizes whole communities, ultimately eroding public trust in democracy.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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The traditional barriers surrounding proprietary AI are eroding, ushering in a new era of innovation that will redefine the global AI race.—
Vandana Rana,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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For example, Netflix uses it to deliver seamless streaming to millions, scaling efficiently without compromising speed.—
Jyothish R,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
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Richard Mille changed the game to push watches as far into the future as possible by not compromising on production techniques and material usage.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
26 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Undermining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermining. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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