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

Elsewhere is Charles Ray’s Family Romance, 1993, whose hand-holding nude figures subvert any structuring of traditional family values. —Tim Griffin, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

The actress has even subverted expectations with her performances in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006) and as Emily Dickinson in Wild Nights With Emily (2018). —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025

An organization that depends on political neutrality cannot be led by a man who has already demonstrated a willingness to subvert it. —Rhys Davies, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Her story inspires women everywhere to subvert the dread of aging silently, reminding us of the beauty and vitality of joy, community connection, and public purpose. —Essence, 23 Nov. 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