subscribe

1
as in to agree
to give or express one's approval (as to a proposal) promised that as president he would never subscribe to the use of torture as an interrogation method, regardless of the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to sign
to write one's name on (as a document) they dutifully subscribed several dozen forms at the mortgage closing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word subscribe distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subscribe are accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, and consent. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

When might accede be a better fit than subscribe?

In some situations, the words accede and subscribe are roughly equivalent. However, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

In what contexts can acquiesce take the place of subscribe?

Although the words acquiesce and subscribe have much in common, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Where would agree be a reasonable alternative to subscribe?

The meanings of agree and subscribe largely overlap; however, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When is it sensible to use assent instead of subscribe?

While the synonyms assent and subscribe are close in meaning, assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When would consent be a good substitute for subscribe?

The synonyms consent and subscribe are sometimes interchangeable, but consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

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 subscribe For more on Jeffrey Dean Morgan, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here. Kirsten Acuna, People.com, 12 June 2025 To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 Those subscribing at the Ultimate+ level have a total of $3 million in funds backing their recovery. PC Magazine, 7 June 2025 For more on Taylor Jenkins Reid, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subscribe
Verb
  • His quest to get out of Phoenix became relatively painless, as the Suns reportedly agreed to trade him to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, this year’s 10th pick and five second-round selections.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • The Phoenix Suns reportedly agreed to trade Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, marking one of the first major moves of the NBA offseason.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • That’s in line with an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump in March.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Because signing a bill that preemptively bans an innovative piece of AI software in the housing industry would risk chilling smart AI solutions in other sectors as well. HB 5002 is close to becoming the true national mode for housing reform.
    Jim Amann, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Seth P. Waxman, a solicitor general for the Clinton administration, initially refused, but eventually assented after further criticism from Judge Reyes.
    Chris Cameron, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • China has built Russia’s defense industrial base, helped Iran provide Russia with one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, and assented as North Korea has sent troops to fight in Europe.
    Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subscribe. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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