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

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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
It’s gotten there by largely avoiding the trap of remaking the original story, in which an astronaut (Heston) crash-lands on a mysterious world in which apes are the dominant species and humans are subjugated, nonverbal creatures. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 This would rake in untold billions of dollars for the company — and all but ensure that its lofty, moral duty would forever be subjugated the money-making whims of Wall Street. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Aug. 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
  • Armed and hooded, the gang was waved in by Black and surprised, subdued, and handcuffed the other security guards.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Passengers and crew managed to subdue him, according to their own accounts, and an off-duty flight crew on the jet made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • The oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Although bright whites dominate the hotel’s design, the warmth of unvarnished wood furniture does much to temper its starkness, and judicious use of pops of colour – fresh greens, yellows and florals – gives visual interest to the luxe space.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • The announcement comes after a summer in which AI models have repeatedly conquered many of math’s longstanding open challenges, including one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems.
    — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Having conquered the world’s top stages as Wagner’s warrior goddess, the American soprano returns to New World Symphony with selections from Götterdämmerung.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • In the late 1700s, British scientists ran bold experiments on thermoregulation, subjecting themselves (and a dog) to a piping hot room and observing that — unlike the steak and eggs accompanying them — their own bodies did not cook.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • We are subjected daily to the caprices of a mind both unregulated and amoral.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Trump’s appearance in San Antonio comes as Republicans fight to keep Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico from defeating Paxton.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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