as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms
explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion
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Recent Examples of subjugate
All expanded the Russian empire -- and subjugated the people and areas that now form Ukraine.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2025
In this show, loving does not mean subjugating oneself but using it to find purpose.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
That lag time has been criticized across Europe, with officials and experts asking why Trump is giving additional time to an autocrat who has hardly wavered in his desire to subjugate Ukraine.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 15 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
David Brennan, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2025
In this show, loving does not mean subjugating oneself but using it to find purpose.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
That lag time has been criticized across Europe, with officials and experts asking why Trump is giving additional time to an autocrat who has hardly wavered in his desire to subjugate Ukraine.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 15 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
Verb
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Inflation remains stubbornly high and the economic outlook subdued, frustrating efforts to repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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There were no injuries, and when officers arrived customers had subdued the suspect, police said in a news release.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The same applies to coders and writers, who dominate AI adoption rates on platforms like Claude, the researchers found.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
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Phillipe Chow adds to downtown Nashville's fine-dining scene Its arrival underscores the transformation of a downtown dining scene once dominated by honky-tonks and quick bites.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
Nashville Tennessean,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Building on the site commenced in the 13th century under the instruction of Ibn al-Ahmar, the first member of the Nasrid family to be emir of Granada, and the sprawling compound was used by the emirs until Isabella and Ferdinand conquered the city in 1492.—
Fiona Mozley,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
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Their methods—ruthless melodic math, brazenly artificial production, and an odd soft spot for reggae rhythms—helped define the world-conquering sound of Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Orders in Memphis would subject troops to the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars them from engaging in law enforcement.—
Devon M. Sayers,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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Many employers already subject potential hires to elaborate interview and testing regimes, sometimes requiring them to perform tasks or problem-solve while recruiters watch.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The high point came in September 2014, when Brækhus defeated Croatian Ivana Habazin to add the IBF welterweight title to her WBA, WBC, and WBO belts – becoming the first woman in any weight division to be recognized as an undisputed champion.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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The Yankees defeated the rival Boston Red Sox in three games at Yankee Stadium Thursday night, and the Dodgers rolled over the Cincinnati Reds in a pair of lopsided affairs at Dodger Stadium, capped by an 8-4 finale Wednesday.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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