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

So, yes, the Cinderella vibes are strong here, but Bridgerton is best when subverting the fairy tale tropes at its foundation. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025

Advertisement In an action media landscape of dark, twisted dramas, Study Group refuses to take itself too seriously, cleverly subverting many of the genre’s tropes. —Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025

These committees have a reputation for reportedly denying workers the right to select their own representatives, thus subverting genuine collective dialogue, per the BHRC. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2025

Johnson did this not only to subvert expectations but also to make the music an active force in the conflict at the heart of the story. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2025

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