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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undermines
Every photo-op in Washington, every meeting with Israeli officials, every call for international intervention reinforces the regime’s narrative and undermines the legitimacy of the protests.
—
Bobby Ghosh, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Nothing undermines success like a lack of stability, and of course, a lacking quarterback.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
The ruling, which rejected allegations that the former CAA employees stole trade secrets, the source says, undermines some of the central claims in the agency’s case.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 9 Jan. 2026
This new research, along with several other studies from the past two years, undermines that metaphor.
—Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
Salem City Councilor Shane Matthews, who voted against Hedquist’s reappointment, echoed that view in a previous statement to Fox News Digital, warning the move undermines public safety and the credibility of the police review board.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
The property is located directly adjacent to NRG Stadium — proximity that largely undermines any potential for the Astrodome to reopen as a stadium.
—John Lomax V, Houston Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2026
Somalia’s federal government insists Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory and warns that recognition undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
—Omar Faruk, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Polymer chains tend to slip during loading, which undermines the effective utilization of their high intrinsic mechanical properties, thereby limiting the strength and toughness of polymer fibers.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
Verb
-
An overreliance on tools weakens our civilization (and saps the film’s dramatic thrills).—
-
Ignoring this reality weakens any serious climate plan.—
Verb
-
An analysis published by CX Today found that when AI use is hidden, trust erodes quickly, even when outcomes are accurate.—
-
Understanding that difference can prevent endless money conflicts because frugality builds a meaningful life, while cheapness slowly erodes joy.—
Verb
-
Russia’s second front The most dangerous front in Europe this year will shift from the trenches in Donetsk to the hybrid war between Russia and NATO as Vladimir Putin seeks to erode European support for Ukraine before economic strain impairs his ability to prosecute the hot war.—
-
If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve.—
Verb
-
For people with celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine.—
-
Scientists think that chronic inflammation damages the brain and increases the risk of dementia.—
Cite this Entry
“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share