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

• 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

Pegas, though, isn’t interested in having his contemporaries’ work subsumed by the Penguins and Random Houses of the world. —John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025

Moreover, the pact should remain focused on defense rather than subsuming or taking on the economic and diplomatic roles of other important institutions. —Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025

For example, the CRO role is expanding so fast that job postings for CRO will subsume the traditional VP of Sale and Marketing role in business. —Stephen Diorio, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

Our digital selves begun to subsume our real selves. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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"