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
This campy, reality-shifting comedy series questions what would happen if a flaming misogynist woke up in a world that was completely matriarchal and subjugated men based on their gender. — Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 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
Noun
For many Indians, the loss of the Koh-i-Noor is symbolic of the country's subjugation under colonial rule. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
  1. subdue
  2. dominate
  3. conquer
  4. subject
  5. defeat
Verb
  • Called Defendu, the fighting technique with the knife was a combination of fierce aggression, speed, and strength to subdue an opponent as quickly as possible.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • The crude market remains dominated by state producers, major energy companies, commodity merchants and large industrial consumers whose activity dwarfs that of individual traders.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • All-white kitchens, another style that uses one color to dominate a room, came in at number four for the most controversial decor trend.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • Then again, Bentley still knows a thing or two about racing, most recently conquering the challenging and prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours race in 2020 with a GT3 version of the Continental GT3.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The ancient creature’s paddle-like abdominal limbs provide direct fossil evidence that insects conquered land through a prolonged semi-aquatic phase rather than an abrupt transition.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • The Big Ten’s ruling earlier Tuesday announced that a violation of the rules would subject a head coach to suspension for 50% of remaining games plus an undisclosed fine.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The team would put the players up in hotel rooms with two beds, subjecting Freeman to the incessant clicking of Heyward texting.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Taylor pitched a career-high 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and was credited with the win as the Sox defeated the Twins 7-4 in front of 28,140.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Senate Leadership Fund, a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has committed to spending $44 million in Georgia in hopes of defeating Ossoff.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

subjoins
subjugate
subjugated
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Cite this Entry

“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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