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
Putin began the year projecting confidence about his campaign to subjugate Ukraine, despite incremental progress on the battlefield. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026 Its founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, established a religious dictatorship that subjugates the Iranian people under sharia law, while zealously exporting its dogma by force. — Elan Journo, Oc Register, 10 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
  • Treasury market securities that investors use to price in inflation expectations are subdued.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • For all its 120 proof, the ethanol is quite subdued, which allows sweeter (brown sugar), fruitier (figs, cherries), spicier (cinnamon), and lightly smoky aromas (BBQ sauce burnt ends) to really stand apart.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • Japan’s monarchy has for centuries maintained male-only succession, which is on-brand for a deeply patriarchal society where men dominate other spheres of life such as business and politics.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Highs are still projected to reach the upper 90s, with mostly sunny skies dominating the forecast.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • For anyone building a lifetime list of trails to conquer, seven routes stand apart, spanning ancient pilgrim paths, alpine passes and rainforest ridgelines across five continents.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • The Red Hulk has conquered Latveria and has his sights set on world domination.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • No individual or corporation may, by becoming sufficiently mistrusted by public opinion or a few public officials, be subjected in court to a wholesale confiscation of its assets beyond what the law permits.
    — David B Mcgarry, Oc Register, 8 July 2026
  • Prosecutors also allege Kulbis subjected Dickey to hazing despite knowing about his medical condition and after receiving university training on sickle cell trait, state laws and NCAA hazing standards.
    — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Michelin said defeating the current version of the measure is California Retailers Association’s top priority of all the bills that are still pending in the Legislature.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • The Texas Rangers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 7-6 at Globe Life Field on Thursday night to reclaim first place in the American League West.
    — Cal Phillips Updated July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Definition of defeat

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subjugate
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Cite this Entry

“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subjugate

Nglish: Translation of subjugate for Spanish Speakers

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