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
In this show, loving does not mean subjugating oneself but using it to find purpose.
—
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Since the Trump administration returned to power in January, the NSF has been subjugated to an intense round of layoffs, grant cancellations, and scrutiny from ex-Trump advisor Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.
—Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
However, the 50-day window has been criticized by some European officials and experts, who have asked why Trump is giving additional time to Putin, who has repeatedly stated his desire to subjugate Ukraine.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 16 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Since the Trump administration returned to power in January, the NSF has been subjugated to an intense round of layoffs, grant cancellations, and scrutiny from ex-Trump advisor Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.
—Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
However, the 50-day window has been criticized by some European officials and experts, who have asked why Trump is giving additional time to Putin, who has repeatedly stated his desire to subjugate Ukraine.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 16 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
Verb
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Inflation remains stubbornly high and the economic outlook subdued, frustrating efforts to repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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There were no injuries, and when officers arrived customers had subdued the suspect, police said in a news release.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One flashy claim can dominate the conversation, and in the social media era, sensationalism is amplified.—
Adam Frank,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
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The edgy vibe of side braids is a natural departure from the more flowy, feminine styles that usually dominate in the summer (like boho braids).—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To put it into perspective, the structure of Hades II necessitates that players conquer both routes of its story, and multiple times at that to reach the true ending.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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In an attempt to help the elementary schooler conquer his fears, Gee picked him up and tossed him into the water below.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Orders in Memphis would subject troops to the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars them from engaging in law enforcement.—
Devon M. Sayers,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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Many employers already subject potential hires to elaborate interview and testing regimes, sometimes requiring them to perform tasks or problem-solve while recruiters watch.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The junior quarterback went 5-for-8 passing with 146 yards, while adding 59 yards rushing to go with three total touchdowns as Springfield Central defeated a Catholic Conference nemesis, 28-20.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
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Cleopatra was born in Alexandria in 69 BC, crowned queen at the age of 18 and died in 30 BC after being defeated by Octavian, also known as Emperor Augustus and the founder of the Roman Empire, during the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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