subjugate 1 of 2

verb

ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt How to pronounce subjugate (audio)
Definition of subjugatenext
as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

subjugation

2 of 2

noun

as in conquest
the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control the subjugation of much of Europe by Napoléon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 subjugate
Verb
Everflame is set in a world where mortals live in poverty, subjugated by an elite race known as the Descended. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026 In the age of ferocity, language is only useful to lie, to cheat, to subjugate, and to exploit. — Literary Hub, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
Across TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Goodreads, and Reddit, reactions have focused less on the craft of fiction writing than on the spiritual subjugation of women that any media about this topic must, by nature, interrogate and include. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2026 That power was built up over centuries partly to compensate for the humiliation, subjugation, and grievous bondage of Russia’s history, real and imagined. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
  1. subdue
  2. dominate
  3. conquer
  4. subject
  5. defeat
Verb
  • Consumer prices have likewise been subdued, with a slower-than-expected 1% rise in June from a year ago.
    — Matthew Tan,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Often, the review said, officers had to subdue aggressive dogs by the neck with a catch pole in order to load them onto patrol vehicles without ramps and walk them up to cages, a departure from industry standards.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • Guest rooms maintain straight lines, dominated by the imposing headboard and neutral colors.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Penta dominated Gable with a barrage of offense, including a dive to the outside and a Made in Japan for a two count.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • The 42-year-old conquered the Via Alpina, which involves traversing a vast European alpine region stretching east to west from Italy, through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and finally France and Monaco.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In the eighteenth century, while Russia fixated on conquering Eurasia, Britain developed the steam engine; in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, while Europeans fought over Africa, Americans mastered the assembly line.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • Delta Upsilon was removed from KU’s campus in 2018 after fraternity members were found to have violated the student code by subjecting prospective members to sleep deprivation, physical violence and forced alcohol consumption.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • One of the victims told investigators Pinder and James subjected them to hazing, according to the warrant.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Without Toney, the Chiefs may not have defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After a topsy-turvy road trip in which the team split six games, the Braves defeated the Nationals again Friday night, 6-2.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

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subjugate
subjugated
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Cite this Entry

“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subjugate

Nglish: Translation of subjugate for Spanish Speakers

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