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 Productivity Paradox The cruel irony of America’s sleep deficit is that overwork undermines the output it’s meant to produce.
—
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Any deputy found engaging in behavior that undermines the integrity of the department will face appropriate discipline.
—Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Even the appearance of profiting from that position undermines public trust.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
But additional research at the Bureau of Labor Statistics undermines their claims, finding no connection between licensing and workplace safety.
—Maxwell Harden, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
But Florida’s new voting maps hinge on a legal theory that DeSantis’ office says undermines that ban.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Foregrounding the infrastructure that keeps the presidency safe undermines the democratic symbolism of the White House.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Sycophancy also undermines people’s capacity to know their own minds.
—Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Continuing down this path only increases uncertainty, undermines long-term infrastructure planning and grows the national debt.
—Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 May 2026
Any deputy found engaging in behavior that undermines the integrity of the department will face appropriate discipline.
—Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Even the appearance of profiting from that position undermines public trust.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
But additional research at the Bureau of Labor Statistics undermines their claims, finding no connection between licensing and workplace safety.
—Maxwell Harden, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
But Florida’s new voting maps hinge on a legal theory that DeSantis’ office says undermines that ban.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Foregrounding the infrastructure that keeps the presidency safe undermines the democratic symbolism of the White House.
—Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Sycophancy also undermines people’s capacity to know their own minds.
—Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Continuing down this path only increases uncertainty, undermines long-term infrastructure planning and grows the national debt.
—Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermines
Verb
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That inconsistency weakens the institution, erodes public trust, and leaves voters increasingly frustrated with both parties.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
The anti-diversity law weakens community expression.—
Jon Harris Maurer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Critics argue that approach undermines job stability and erodes workers’ rights by limiting access to benefits tied to salaries.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
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Referencing Gandhi's observation that life is one indivisible whole, Esposito argues that a broken home life bleeds into workplace performance, while a struggling community erodes the stability of every family within it.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
3 May 2026
-
Lead impairs cognition and cadmium harms the kidneys.—
Anton L. Delgado,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But over time, as the virus damages the heart, lungs or kidneys, patients can suffer severe shortness of breath, organ failure and even die.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
The same is true of excess water, which damages roots and causes plant stress.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermines. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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