as in to weaken
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 undermine
By confusing the idea that the people’s will must prevail with what the law actually says, these leaders justify intimidating judges and their rulings, a move that ultimately undermines democracy.
—
Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
The move threatens to undermine Harvard’s stature, its revenue and its appeal among top scholars around the world.
—Jocelyn Gecker, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Meanwhile, the new administration is actively undermining climate science.
—Bella Kubach, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Related Articles Gavin Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again
Gov. Newsom spews misinformation about California’s literacy efforts
The lesson from Moody’s, and from history, is that America cannot borrow its way to prosperity.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for undermine
Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
The move threatens to undermine Harvard’s stature, its revenue and its appeal among top scholars around the world.
—Jocelyn Gecker, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Meanwhile, the new administration is actively undermining climate science.
—Bella Kubach, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Related Articles Gavin Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again
Gov. Newsom spews misinformation about California’s literacy efforts
The lesson from Moody’s, and from history, is that America cannot borrow its way to prosperity.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for undermine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermine
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Growing same-store sales by 3%, fueled by an increase in customer transactions, in a three-month period marked by tariff uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment is impressive.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The driver was not believed to have been impaired, police said.—
Kristina Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2025
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The cloud may disorient and impair the vision of marine life that depend on sight to navigate or hunt for prey—or smother others.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
19 May 2025
Verb
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These changes threaten to erode biodiversity and make survival even harder for freshwater and land turtle populations.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Apple might be able to strike a deal with the administration — despite the eroding relationship — or challenge the tariffs in court.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The fire began on the third floor, severely damaging the entire level, while water damage affected the floors below.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation.—
Bill Sullivan,
The Conversation,
28 May 2025
Verb
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That may change if substantive progress isn’t seen in a few weeks; Vance and Rubio have stated numerous times that at some point, Washington will have no choice but to walk away if Zelenskyy and Putin are unable to compromise.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
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Michaels’ position is that the landing rig was inadequate for the stunt, and it was compromised by the performers who fell before her.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermine. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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