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

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

Every administration has its own policy agenda and preferences, but this goes beyond that, subjugating science to partisanship and holding research and infrastructure money hostage throughout much of the country. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine and embarrass Europe in its own backyard, while China seeks dominance in East Asia - but their approaches are quite different. — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026