Synonyms of subordinate

subordinate 1 of 3

adjective

sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət 

as in lesser

having not so great importance or rank as another

his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lesser
• less
• smaller
• lower
• junior
• small
• minor
• inferior
• secondary
• petty
• auxiliary
• associate
• subsidiary
• little
• second-class
• mean
• jerkwater
• second-rate
• minute
• two-bit
• one-horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher
• more
• greater
• major
• senior
• primary
• superior
• prime
• superordinate
• exceptional
• first-class
• first-rate
• choice

subordinate

2 of 3

noun

sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət 

as in underling

one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another

subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• underling
• junior
• inferior
• minion
• henchman
• assistant
• sidekick
• deputy
• follower
• steward
• attendant
• adjutant
• domestic
• aide
• lackey
• second
• retainer
• aid
• coadjutor
• flunky
• mate
• menial
• second fiddle
• helpmate
• helpmeet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• superior
• chief
• leader
• master
• boss
• head
• captain
• foreman
• senior
• helmsman
• headman
• taskmaster
• kingpin

subordinate

3 of 3

verb

sə-ˈbȯr-də-ˌnāt 

as in to subject

to bring under one's control by force of arms

it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subject
• dominate
• subdue
• conquer
• defeat
• subjugate
• overcome
• enslave
• overpower
• pacify
• vanquish
• reduce
• crush
• beat
• annihilate
• prevail (over)
• mow (down)
• lick
• triumph (over)
• smash
• suppress
• whip
• rout
• clobber
• quell
• thrash
• trounce
• repress
• quash
• smother
• silence
• put down
• drub
• crack down (on)
• squelch
• squash
• skunk
• wallop
• snuff (out)
• clamp down (on)
• break

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• discharge
• emancipate
• free
• release
• enfranchise
• manumit
• spring
• unbind
• unfetter
• unchain
• uncage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subordinate

Adjective

Bucks encounter rivals, or even subordinate deer, and make scrapes in a sudden display of strength. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

Johnson frequently uses his saxophone to control a sampler or drum machine, triggering changes in loops and effects, but the technology is ultimately subordinate to physical expression. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026

Noun

And in the end — like Dick Ebersol — Harry Shearer is only willing to accept a subordinate’s vision if it’s executed to his exact specifications. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Keeping track of scheming or incompetent subordinates has always been the autocrat’s chief burden. — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Verb

With judges and prosecutors subordinate to the Communist Party, fair-trial guarantees would remain limited even with private practice, and independent lawyers’ groups have repeatedly been denied registration. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Those firms that subordinated customer value to residual claims frequently paid a price; those who reversed the order compounded advantage. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026