UNDERMINE Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'undermine' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of undermine are cripple , debilitate , disable , enfeeble , sap , and weaken . While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously. // a poor diet undermines your health // drugs had sapped his ability to think

Q: When is 'cripple' a more appropriate choice than 'undermine'?

The meanings of cripple and undermine largely overlap; however, cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element. // crippled by arthritis

Q: When can 'debilitate' be used instead of 'undermine'?

While the synonyms debilitate and undermine are close in meaning, debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality. // the debilitating effects of surgery

Q: When could 'disable' be used to replace 'undermine'?

The words disable and undermine can be used in similar contexts, but disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability. // disabled by an injury sustained at work

Q: When is it sensible to use 'enfeeble' instead of 'undermine'?

Although the words enfeeble and undermine have much in common, enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness. // enfeebled by starvation

Q: When might 'weaken' be a better fit than 'undermine'?

The words weaken and undermine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power. // a disease that weakens the body's defenses

undermine

verb

Definition of undermine next

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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How is the word undermine distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of undermine are cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health

drugs had sapped his ability to think

When is cripple a more appropriate choice than undermine?

The meanings of cripple and undermine largely overlap; however, cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

When can debilitate be used instead of undermine?

While the synonyms debilitate and undermine are close in meaning, debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When could disable be used to replace undermine?

The words disable and undermine can be used in similar contexts, but disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When is it sensible to use enfeeble instead of undermine?

Although the words enfeeble and undermine have much in common, enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

When might weaken be a better fit than undermine?

The words weaken and undermine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

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 undermine By de-risking essential healthcare investments, setting clearer market rules and strengthening stewardship, policymakers can crowd in patient private capital and ensure that impact and returns reinforce rather than undermine each other. —

Abrar Mir, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 Fulton County officials moved swiftly to court after federal agents seized the records, arguing the action could undermine public trust in elections. —

Christopher Harris, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 But today, a new threat is emerging that could undermine that legacy — and a new opportunity that could strengthen it. —

Kevin J. Conlan, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 Streets that prioritize speed over experience undermine that goal. —

Tim Giuliani, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undermine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermine

Verb

Investors don’t want to inadvertently cheer on weakening job growth that could negatively impact consumer spending and economic growth, hurting stock prices.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The National Weather Service says the ridge keeping California dry since last month is beginning to weaken.

— Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of weaken

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underlying

undermine

undermined

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“Undermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermine. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of undermine

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