Definition of SUBSCRIBE

verb sub·scribe \ səb-ˈskrīb \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: subscribe in a Sentence

Definition of subscribe

subscribed; subscribing

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; also : to receive a periodical or service regularly on order

subscribed to many magazines

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

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subscriber

noun

See subscribe defined for English-language learners

See subscribe defined for kids

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 of subscribe from the Web

For more on the greed, lust and secrets in Maurizio Gucci’s family, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands now.

— adam carlson, PEOPLE.com, "Decades After Hit Man Killed Gucci Mogul, the Ex-Wife Convicted of His Murder Speaks Out," 13 July 2018
For more great storytelling and in-depth analysis, subscribe to the magazine—and get up to 94% off the cover price.

— tom verducci, SI.com, "The Star That Still Won't Shine: The Incredible, Unprecedented but Unseen Greatness of Mike Trout," 12 July 2018
To hear Modern Love: The Podcast, subscribe on iTunes or Google Play Music.

— New York Times, "This Is What Happens When Friends Fall in Love," 6 July 2018
The paper also thanked the community for its support following the shooting and said more than 800 people subscribed to its digital edition.

— CBS News, "Capital Gazette received death threats, emails celebrating shooting after attack," 2 July 2018
Our nation, currently led by men and women who subscribe to ideology based on nationalism and xenophobia, is turning into a country of chaos, one that looks less like freedom and more like fascism every day.

— alexis dent, Harper's BAZAAR, "We Are Gilead," 26 June 2018
Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jeffg.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "He has local ties, but U of L faces tough competition for Matthew Hurt," 14 July 2018
More on foundation shade ranges: Now watch Cardi B's makeup artist break down some of her best looks: Follow Marci on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to Allure's newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox.

— marci robin, Allure, "Misty Copeland Helps Estée Lauder Announce the Shade Expansion of Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup," 14 July 2018
Above a graph showcasing spiking prices for Revlimid, a cancer drug manufactured by Celgene, the site encourages visitors to subscribe for email updates.

— lev facher, STAT, "Read the fine print: N.J. senator sets up phony health news website to attack challenger Bob Hugin," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subscribe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of subscribe

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

subscribe Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

SUBSCRIBE Defined for English Language Learners

verb

Definition of subscribe for English Language Learners

: to pay money to get a publication or service regularly
: to agree to buy shares in a company
: to belong to or support something (such as an organization) by paying money regularly