subvert

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt 

subverted; subverting; subverts

transitive verb

1

: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : ruin

2

: to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith

subverter noun

Synonyms of subvert

• degrade
• weaken
• corrupt
• destroy
• humiliate
• debase
• poison
• dilute
• pervert
• deteriorate
• demean
• ruin
• bastardize

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

They conspired to subvert the government.

trying to subvert the electoral process

Recent Examples on the Web

New York Tendaberry, released in the fall of 1969, mostly consists of Nyro alone at the piano, delivering songs that eschewed and subverted most of the characteristics that had won her attention and adoration throughout the preceding decade. —Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 24 May 2026

The Residence combines the twisty appeal of a murder mystery with juicy upstairs-downstairs intrigue, opting not to subvert its genre conventions but to lovingly embrace them. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Although the Western genre is an ever-present influence, Grisebach subverts some of its tropes. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 May 2026

The post-screening art projects are also a way to subvert some of the effects of artificial intelligence, which can too easily short-circuit the idea that one’s own imagination has the potential to be expansive and worthwhile. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French subvertir, from Latin subvertere, literally, to turn from beneath, from sub- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subvert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt

Kids Definition

subvert

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt 

1

: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation

2

: to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : corrupt

subverter noun