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

Vanessa Rossetto has built her entire artistic practice out of subverting listeners’ expectations. —Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026

Seen through the lens of the Civil War and its aftermath, the piece subverts every expectation. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Days later, the ruling party accused him of sabotaging the project on behalf of China and George Soros, echoing widespread antisemitic conspiracy theories that the billionaire Jewish philanthropist seeks to subvert popular rule. —Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 7 June 2026

But Raman — whose husband is veteran 30 Rock writer and producer Vali Chandrasekaran — has quietly subverted her showy target in a way befitting that series. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 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