SUBJUGATING Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

subjugating 1 of 2

noun

as in conquest

the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control a military occupation that was seen by the people of that country as just another subjugating by an outside power

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subjugating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of subjugate

as in conquering

to bring under one's control by force of arms explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion

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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 subjugating

Noun

The anti-Zionist project of ending Israel’s existence as a Jewish state implies killing, subjugating, or re-exiling more than half of the world’s Jewish population. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026

Verb

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 But these moves and a little patience could help set the conditions for a resolution over time—one that doesn’t involve Russia destroying and subjugating its neighbor. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugating

Noun

Victory, however Moscow chooses to define it, would be stripped of the prosperity that conquest once promised.

— Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
The legendary Bayeux Tapestry detailing William of Normandy’s 1066 conquest of England was embroidered, most likely by nuns, in England about 1,000 years ago.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

Definition of conquest

Verb

Warner always suspected his purpose, besides hitting and tackling and conquering challengers, was to inspire.

— Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026
In addition to conquering the Official Albums chart, Foreign Tongues rules the Official Albums Sales, Official Album Downloads, Official Physical Albums and Official Vinyl Albums rosters.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of conquering

Noun

In the 92nd minute, with Spain dominating but scoreless, Argentina’s Enzo Fernández, already playing on a yellow, made a reckless tackle.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 20 July 2026
With New Zealand dominating, another attack brought a penalty, a lineout and after a series of forays by forwards, a long pass to Ruben Love who was stopped on the line only for McKenzie to pick up and score.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of dominating

Verb

Rome — The death of a Moroccan man in police custody has sparked protests – some violent – in the northern city of Bologna after video of the incident showing officers forcefully subduing the man circulated online.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Viewers have already seen glimpses of the premiere, which involves Aang and Katara subduing a sea serpent while guiding refugees across a treacherous path.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026

Definition of subduing

Noun

The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
During the 17th century, Japan was in a state of upheaval, fractured by rival warlords fighting for domination; then, three leaders came together to unite the bushō to bring peace and a new order to Japan.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Definition of domination

Verb

In 1921, the Federal Aid Highway Act gave the word an official definition, subjecting it to regulation.

— Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
By closing off the strait again, Iran is subjecting itself to the reimposition of punishing sanctions and a tightening economic noose.

— Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026

Definition of subjecting

Verb

Tsitsipas, who has been through injury turmoil and a cycle of hiring and firing his father, Apostolos, as his coach, took the Swiss Open title in Gstaad, defeating Belgium’s Raphaël Collignon 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to win his first title in over a year.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Spain reclaimed football's biggest prize on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense World Cup final that delivered high drama both on and off the pitch.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Definition of defeating

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subjugates

subjugating

subjugation

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“Subjugating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugating. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of subjugating

noun

verb

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