as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another
his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in underling
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to subject
to bring under one's control by force of arms
it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subordinate
Uriel Kon
september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
As public debt grows, the link becomes more visible and fiscal dominance — which occurs when a central bank like the Fed becomes subordinate to the government’s fiscal policy — looms larger.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 2 Sep. 2025
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Nestlé has just dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, for having an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate.
—Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
Gael García Bernal brilliantly subordinates his stardom to Diaz’s discerning camera, disappearing into the role of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who, at the start of the 16th century, navigated a crew to Southeast Asia after convincing the Spanish crown to fund his journey.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
The individual is regarded as inseparable from the omnipresent state, a subordinate position which most seem to gladly embrace.
—Uriel Kon
september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
As public debt grows, the link becomes more visible and fiscal dominance — which occurs when a central bank like the Fed becomes subordinate to the government’s fiscal policy — looms larger.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Minnow noted companies are moving faster to crack down on workplace relationships between CEOs and subordinates, a trend that could ultimately boost the number of women in senior leadership roles.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Nestlé has just dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, for having an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate.
—Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
The result is gridlock: reforms are watered down or delayed, and the needs of major conferences are subordinated to the lowest common denominator.
—Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
Gael García Bernal brilliantly subordinates his stardom to Diaz’s discerning camera, disappearing into the role of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who, at the start of the 16th century, navigated a crew to Southeast Asia after convincing the Spanish crown to fund his journey.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
-
Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.—
Lindsey Witmer Collins,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.—
Staff Writer
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2023
Noun
-
Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
-
When his underlings spew hate about the Golden State on Fox News and social media?—
Gustavo Arellano,
Mercury News,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
By implementing rigorous controls and subjecting them to human scrutiny, companies can guide this powerful technology toward valuable outcomes while mitigating risk factors.—
Steve Durbin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Why subject your kids to degeneracy and violence?—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Broncos have won their last five at home, only one by less than a field goal.—
Jack Magruder,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Many have fees — nonprofits typically charge less.—
Brian Simpson,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For many on the Right, Carr is a welcome protector of conservative views on broadcast networks that Republicans say have long been dominated by liberal positions.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The question now, which has dominated all public debate in Lebanon, is how the Lebanese army will actually disarm Hezbollah.—
Bilal Y. Saab,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nyasha Paradzai, a UVU junior, said he was lined up in front of Kirk, waiting to debate him at the campus event, when he was killed.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Mary Nelle is now a senior and Edie a junior at the University of Texas at Austin.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Faultlessly subdued bespoke tailoring, and his grosgrain lapel broadcasts a certain seniority.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
By contrast, growth in Unilever’s Prestige beauty division was flat as the market remained subdued.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
-
Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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