subscribe

verb

sub·​scribe səb-ˈskrīb 

subscribed; subscribing; subscribes

transitive verb

1

: to write (one's name) underneath : sign

2

a

: to sign (something, such as a document) with one's own hand in token of consent or obligation

b

: to attest by signing

c

: to pledge (a gift or contribution) by writing one's name with the amount

3

: to assent to : support

intransitive verb

1

: to sign one's name to a document

2

a

: to give consent or approval to something written by signing

unwilling to subscribe to the agreement

b

: to set one's name to a paper in token of promise to give something (such as a sum of money)

also : to give something in accordance with such a promise

c

: to enter one's name for a publication or service

Subscribe now and get your first issue free.

And you can listen to this show anytime by subscribing to our podcast.

—TED Radio Hour

also : to receive or have access to something (such as a periodical or service) as part of an arrangement to receive a certain number of regular deliveries or a certain period of continuous access especially by prepayment

the number of people who currently subscribe to the magazine/site

d

: to agree to purchase and pay for securities especially of a new offering

subscribed for 1000 shares

3

: to feel favorably disposed

I subscribe to your sentiments

subscriber noun

Synonyms

• agree
• assent

Choose the Right Synonym for subscribe

assent, consent, accede, acquiesce, agree, subscribe mean to concur with what has been proposed.

assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

Examples of subscribe in a Sentence

Subscribe today and get your first issue free!

You'll receive a user name and password when you subscribe.

Recent Examples on the Web

If this newsletter isn't already getting conveniently delivered to your inbox, click here to subscribe. —Jim Reineking, USA Today, 24 June 2025

In data shared exclusively with Fortune, Amazon revealed the items which were purchased—in their millions—most frequently by subscribing customers. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2025

Click here to sign up or subscribe below: The latest in politics and policy. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 19 June 2025

Help support our local journalism, subscribe today. —Kimberly Miller, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin subscribere, literally, to write beneath, from sub- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing subscribe

• subscribe to

Rhymes for subscribe

• ascribe
• describe
• imbibe
• inscribe
• prescribe
• proscribe
• transcribe
• bribe
• gibe
• jibe
• tribe
• vibe

Kids Definition

subscribe

verb

sub·​scribe səb-ˈskrīb 

subscribed; subscribing

1

: to make known one's approval by or as if by signing

we subscribe to your plan

2

: to agree to give or contribute by signing one's name with the amount promised

subscribe fifty dollars to the fund

3

a

: to enter one's name for a publication or service

b

: to receive a periodical or service regularly on order

4

: to feel favorably inclined

I subscribe to your sentiments

subscriber noun

Legal Definition

subscribe

verb

sub·​scribe səb-ˈskrīb 

subscribed; subscribing

transitive verb

1

: to write (one's name) underneath or at the end of a document

we now subscribe our names as witnesses

—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

2

a

: to sign (as a document) with one's own hand in token of consent, obligation, or attestation

such witnesses shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator

—West Virginia Code

b

: to pledge (a gift or contribution) by writing one's name with the amount

c

: to sell (stock) by subscription

over two million shares have been subscribed

intransitive verb

1

: to sign one's name to a document

also : to give consent or approval by signing one's name

2

: to agree to purchase and pay for securities especially of a new offering

a right to subscribe to a share of stock

—D. Q. Posin

subscriber noun

Etymology

Latin subscribere, literally, to write beneath, from sub- under + scribere to write