subsume

verb

sub·​sume səb-ˈsüm 

subsumed; subsuming

transitive verb

: to include or place within something larger or more comprehensive : encompass as a subordinate or component element

red, green, and yellow are subsumed under the term "color"

subsumable

səb-ˈsü-mə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms of subsume

• include
• contain
• involve
• encompass
• carry

Examples of subsume in a Sentence

games and team sports are subsumed under the classification of “recreation”

Recent Examples on the Web

In practice, Mamdani, who claims to loathe oligarchy and big business, is asking Amazon to destroy over 40 small businesses and subsume their economic power. — Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

But their success on the floor has often been subsumed by controversies. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

The series actually began life in 2022 on ALTBalaji, the now defunct streamer that Balaji Telefilms operated, and MX Player, which was recently subsumed into Prime Video India. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 July 2026

The writers also cited Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets, arguing that Fox’s independent creative voice has essentially been subsumed by Disney’s corporate imperatives. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin subsumere, from Latin sub- + sumere to take up — more at consume

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subsume

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

subsume

verb

sub·​sume səb-ˈsüm 

subsumed; subsuming

: to include or place within something larger or more general

red and green are subsumed under the term "color"