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
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 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
Noun
Maybe the typical wedding remains an exercise in female subjugation and compulsory heterosexuality, but straight women aren’t the only characters suffering at the altar. — Judy Berman, Time, 27 May 2026 In pre-Christian Ireland, sucking breasts was a way of showing subjugation to a king and the cutting out of Old Croghan Man’s nipples is, historians believe, an indication that he had been thus stripped of his claims to kingship. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
  1. subdue
  2. dominate
  3. conquer
  4. subject
  5. defeat
Verb
  • Cops on foot chased the teen down, using a Taser to subdue him near Rogers Ave.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • For all the bombast surrounding the official proceedings, beginning with the UFC fight at the White House, elsewhere the mood has seemed subdued.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • The stock-specific approach contrasts with expectations that the surge in Korean and Taiwanese stock markets, dominated by local chip giants, would spill over into China more broadly.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Mexico dominated much of the match, yet England overcame playing most of the second half a man down after a red card.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • The Romans conquered this region more than two millennia ago.
    — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • Game plan for the title fight Gaethje has also conquered the art of performing as an underdog.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • This particular issue has to do with Washington state provisions that allow shelters to refuse to notify parents when minors are seeking gender-affirming care if the shelters conclude that the parents might subject the child to abuse or neglect.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Other states are subjecting their wealthiest residents to new income taxes, rather than taxing assets.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The short version is that after defeating the Kilrathi at the climax of Wing Commander 3, Mark Hamill’s Christopher Blair retires to a backwater world to live out a life in peace and obscurity.
    — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subjugate

Nglish: Translation of subjugate for Spanish Speakers

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