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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb subdue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subdue are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than subdue?

While the synonyms conquer and subdue are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How do defeat and vanquish relate to one another, in the sense of subdue?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When can overcome be used instead of subdue?

The words overcome and subdue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Where would overthrow be a reasonable alternative to subdue?

Although the words overthrow and subdue have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

In what contexts can reduce take the place of subdue?

While in some cases nearly identical to subdue, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When would vanquish be a good substitute for subdue?

The words vanquish and subdue can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subdue Toward the end of the clip circulating TikTok, the subway riders appear to beat the man after subduing him. Julia Marnin july 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Richard Reid did not detonate the explosive and the plane landed in Boston after passengers subdued him. Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025 The crowd were slightly subdued for the Britpop band Cast who appeared, in truth, somewhat out of their depth in a venue of this size. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 7 July 2025 Nimmo’s celebration upon hitting the grand slam was subdued. Will Sammon, New York Times, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subdue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subdue
Verb
  • Noncompliance can mean monetary penalties, restricted market access and lasting reputational damage that can be very difficult to overcome.
    Paresh Sagar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Becky Lynch overcame Lyra Valkyria and Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what was possibly the match of the night.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • Sure, the former No. 3 pick in the draft should dominate summer league action against players, the majority of which will either end up in the G League or overseas.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • After years of smoking to help quell her anxiety, Tish found that the drug only made things worse.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Don’t have a problem using the National Guard to quell rioting in Los Angeles, your anti-democracy.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 2024 World Series four games to one.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 in what was judged to be Nigeria's fairest election to date.
    Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • For me, that meant a heavy dose of meditation (including a silk hammock sound bath), a class about conquering fear, an introduction to wheel pottery, and several workout classes, leaving plenty of time for treatments and relaxation at the Life in Balance Spa.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • Apparently, love can conquer not only death but also slapstick action comedies about little kids brutalizing burglars.
    Drew Mackie, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
  • The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Common roof framing is a true skill, and each day, there are fewer carpenters who have mastered it.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
  • Leon guides clients to master five critical leadership domains identified in a proprietary Executive Leadership Scorecard.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Other top foreign suppliers of appliances to the US, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, received letters from Trump subjecting their exports to the US to tariffs as high as 36% instead of the current 10%, as of next month.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
  • In moving on from Tucker and not subjecting a rookie to a kicking competition with a potential Hall of Famer, the Ravens softened an already volatile situation.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subdue. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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