Synonyms of subjugate

subjugate

verb

ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt 

as in to subdue

to bring under one's control by force of arms

explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subdue
• dominate
• conquer
• subject
• defeat
• enslave
• overcome
• vanquish
• subordinate
• pacify
• overpower
• reduce
• crush
• annihilate
• beat
• smash
• suppress
• lick
• whip
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• quell
• rout
• mow (down)
• repress
• trounce
• thrash
• clobber
• quash
• smother
• squelch
• silence
• drub
• squash
• put down
• crack down (on)
• wallop
• snuff (out)
• skunk
• break
• clamp down (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• emancipate
• enfranchise
• free
• release
• discharge
• manumit
• spring
• unbind
• unfetter
• unchain
• uncage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subjugate

More generally, the movie, directed by Elegance Bratton, is about the historical context of this murder, the conscious and organized effort by white Southern citizens and officials to intimidate, persecute, and subjugate Black people. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

In fact, in this retelling, their free will and autonomy are essential elements of that virtuous cycle, rather than subjugated by it. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

It’s gotten there by largely avoiding the trap of remaking the original story, in which an astronaut (Heston) crash-lands on a mysterious world in which apes are the dominant species and humans are subjugated, nonverbal creatures. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

This would rake in untold billions of dollars for the company — and all but ensure that its lofty, moral duty would forever be subjugated the money-making whims of Wall Street. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Aug. 2026