subvert

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
subverted; subverting; subverts
Synonyms of subvertnext

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

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

They conspired to subvert the government. trying to subvert the electoral process
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And her co-stars—Jacob Elordi as a brooding Heathcliff, Alison Oliver as an angelic Isabella Linton, Hong Chau as a steely Nelly Dean, and Shazad Latif as a swaggering Edgar Linton—would also be subverting our expectations. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026 By delegitimizing the Islamic Republic as an occupying force—one that plunders national wealth to subsidize regional proxies—the opposition has effectively subverted the regime’s nationalist rhetoric. Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026 After collaborating with Sotheby’s on a 2024 installation of Impressionism, for which they were tasked with subverting assumptions of the movement, the duo are now conceiving the company’s new restaurant, Marcel, named after the architect. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026 With this introduction of a hapless protagonist not entirely managing to live her best life, Brett Haley‘s film cheerfully speaks both the literary and cinematic language of romantic comedy — and won’t seek to subvert or elevate it in the two hours that follow. Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subvert

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subvert was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subvert. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

subvert

verb
sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
1
: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation
2
: to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : corrupt
subverter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on subvert

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