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
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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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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 undermining
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026 This is a direct undermining of the idea of art. —Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 Long commute times are certainly frustrating, but continual undermining of mass transit projects isn’t going to solve the problem. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026 What is the purpose of this layering and undermining of the story’s authenticity? —John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 The undermining of an independent judiciary. —Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 What is required is a pullback - on huge deficits, on aggravating international and internal relationships, and on the undermining of historical foundations of the United States. —John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Flores and Cantello also said many of their colleagues were placed on administrative leave after signing a letter of dissent criticizing EPA leadership’s undermining of public trust and disregard for scientific consensus. —William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026 Any sustained rise in energy prices risks widening the current account deficit and undermining macroeconomic stability. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2026 The rollout lacked clarity, consistency and adequate communication — undermining trust and creating confusion for residents, visitors and institutions alike. —Kent Lee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 If the consequences of tariffs a year in are any indication, the authors warned, a trade policy designed to crack down on importers could end up undermining and altering the makeup of regional economies nationwide. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026 Instead of advancing the integrity of government scientists, the use of the term may be undermining the public trust. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 The reason this feels so different to teachers than the tech panics of the past is that there is no clear solution to how AI is undermining nearly every aspect of education. —ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026 Expanding state powers to intervene earlier could prevent future attacks, but critics warn that preemptive restrictions risk undermining civil liberties — particularly when applied to young people. —Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026 The longtime leader — whom critics accuse of undermining democracy and whose government has been reported to have worked closely with Moscow to undermine European sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine — has seen his support crumble over economic mismanagement and alleged corruption. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
The concentration of power in one person, the undermining of elections, disregarding the rule of law, the weakening checks and balances, and replacing constitutional loyalty with personal loyalty. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026 This is a direct undermining of the idea of art. —Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 Long commute times are certainly frustrating, but continual undermining of mass transit projects isn’t going to solve the problem. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026 What is the purpose of this layering and undermining of the story’s authenticity? —John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 The undermining of an independent judiciary. —Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 What is required is a pullback - on huge deficits, on aggravating international and internal relationships, and on the undermining of historical foundations of the United States. —John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Flores and Cantello also said many of their colleagues were placed on administrative leave after signing a letter of dissent criticizing EPA leadership’s undermining of public trust and disregard for scientific consensus. —William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
The markets, which include Polymarket and its chief rival Kalshi, have been criticized for everything from undermining the integrity of sports to contributing to an online betting addiction crisis among young men. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026 Any sustained rise in energy prices risks widening the current account deficit and undermining macroeconomic stability. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2026 The rollout lacked clarity, consistency and adequate communication — undermining trust and creating confusion for residents, visitors and institutions alike. —Kent Lee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 If the consequences of tariffs a year in are any indication, the authors warned, a trade policy designed to crack down on importers could end up undermining and altering the makeup of regional economies nationwide. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026 Instead of advancing the integrity of government scientists, the use of the term may be undermining the public trust. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 The reason this feels so different to teachers than the tech panics of the past is that there is no clear solution to how AI is undermining nearly every aspect of education. —ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026 Expanding state powers to intervene earlier could prevent future attacks, but critics warn that preemptive restrictions risk undermining civil liberties — particularly when applied to young people. —Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026 The longtime leader — whom critics accuse of undermining democracy and whose government has been reported to have worked closely with Moscow to undermine European sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine — has seen his support crumble over economic mismanagement and alleged corruption. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermining
Noun
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Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat who was imprisoned from 2018 to 2021, said Tuesday the agreement will lead to unfair competition and the erosion of Canada’s industrial base.— Laura Dhillon Kane, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
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But some observers foresee the nickel’s ultimate demise, given the steady march of inflation and the gradual erosion of purchasing power in a five-cent coin.— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The impact of those exits could turn out to be the most lasting, potentially weakening the Justice Department for many years to come, several former longterm DOJ lawyers who worked across areas told USA TODAY.— Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
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Moisture can lead to weakening the tree or shrub's protective layer and create an environment for fungal growth, rot, or disease, says Putnam.— Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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One of the vehicles apparently also slammed into the rear of a parked silver BMW, damaging it, as well.— Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
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On Friday, the actor and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racer was involved in wreck with Tyler Reif and Timmy Hill on the Bristol Motor Speedway, damaging his Malcolm in the Middle themed Ford F-150 and taking him out of the race.— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite nationwide polls showing eroding support, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán retains strong backing in rural communities and among older Hungarians, who credit him with representing their interests and maintaining national pride.— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
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In the years following the departure of Ailes, many critics further assailed the network for eroding any line between news reporting and commentary and political advocacy.— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Crude oil also disrupts animals’ nervous systems, Grosell added, impairing their senses and ability to navigate, process input, and properly orient themselves in their environment.— Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
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The now former Hungarian leader has been widely criticized for dismantling or impairing many democratic institutions including the Constitution, law courts and the media, and packing influential committees with loyalists.— Patrick Smith, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Days after returning from the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix on March 31, Vrabel was contacted by the New York Post seeking comment on the fact the paper was in possession of seemingly compromising photos of the coach and Russini, who worked for The Athletic at the time as an NFL reporter.— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
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Enjoy easy-release, mess-free cooking without compromising on health.— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/undermining. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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