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
Likewise, meekness once meant not becoming weak, but subjugating power to reason – not letting anger take control.
—
Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
However, once Hernán Cortés triumphed, the conquistadors went from waging war — vanquishing the Aztecs — to the project of subjugating Indigenous holdouts and building a self-sustaining territory loyal to the crown.
—Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
It’s subjugated to a larger sense of what’s called the universal destination of all goods.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
There’s her creative director, Celeste (filmmaker/actress Hailey Benton Gates), Charli’s friend and the only one with a foot in reality, but with no other purpose in life but to subjugate herself to her employer.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
However, once Hernán Cortés triumphed, the conquistadors went from waging war — vanquishing the Aztecs — to the project of subjugating Indigenous holdouts and building a self-sustaining territory loyal to the crown.
—Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
It’s subjugated to a larger sense of what’s called the universal destination of all goods.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
There’s her creative director, Celeste (filmmaker/actress Hailey Benton Gates), Charli’s friend and the only one with a foot in reality, but with no other purpose in life but to subjugate herself to her employer.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
Verb
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On the night the Rams drafted Simpson, general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay were uncharacteristically subdued during a news conference.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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What the experts say Hiring has picked up while layoffs remain relatively subdued, with little evidence so far that the Iran war is affecting the labor market.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The one-time cellar-dweller Braves became known as America's Team and eventually dominated the National League in the 1990s under Turner's ownership, including a 1995 World Series victory.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Global companies already dominate the world's fastest-growing major consumer market across 20 product categories from soft drinks and spirits to savory snacks, detergents, and diapers, the report said.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
Verb
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One lineage would give rise to crocodiles and alligators, while the other would produce dinosaurs and the birds that would eventually conquer the skies.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
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Kids can rope swing over obstacles, conquer glass and log bridges, shoot down a 70-foot-long slide and discover panoramic views of Denver 90 feet in the air.—
Laura Daily,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Victims’ relatives testified that followers of Jones subjected them to death and rape threats, in-person harassment and abusive comments on social media.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2026
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Demand is highest when the weather is at its worst, which subjects you to freezing temperatures and rotten road conditions.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nico Santonastaso struck out 10 and allowed two earned runs over seven innings, and Jack Thompson registered three hits and an RBI as Mystic Valley defeated Minuteman, 10-5.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Josiah Rodriguez was 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBIs and Mason Cook hit a two-run home run as PLNU defeated Concordia 9-1 in Santa Barbara to complete a three-game tournament sweep.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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