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

The story begins on a train, somewhat subverts the typical strangers-on-a-train narrative in which a chance encounter leads to a love story (that is, the Linklater version rather than the Hitchcock one). —Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026

Both its physical abilities and global history actively subvert the philosopher’s aphorism. —Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026

The play subverts itself, never allowing an audience to gain a commanding foothill, even at the end when (suffice it to say) the watchers become the watched. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026

The rest of the album continues to subvert expectations by reeling in its anxieties instead of blurting them out. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 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