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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 subordinate
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Whatever else is printed—articles about religion, Israel, humor pieces—is subordinate to the obituaries.
—David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Michael Paulson, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
By using stories to share ideas and offer suggestions, introverted leaders can seem more relatable and approachable to their subordinates.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Jane Harman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Wilson said yes, subordinating his old company and his personal wealth.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
Therefore, all the other religions found in India thrive because of Hinduism, and are subordinate to it.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Whatever else is printed—articles about religion, Israel, humor pieces—is subordinate to the obituaries.
—David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
Rudin had been a prolific producer of artistically ambitious, and often successful, work, but was dogged for decades by complaints about yelling at, firing and occasionally hurling things at subordinates.
—Michael Paulson, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
By using stories to share ideas and offer suggestions, introverted leaders can seem more relatable and approachable to their subordinates.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
The administration is following Project 2025 in reasserting presidential control over the entire federal bureaucracy and subordinating independent agencies.
—Jane Harman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Wilson said yes, subordinating his old company and his personal wealth.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
-
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.—
Staff Writer
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2023
-
The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.—
Nicole Goodkind,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
Usually the one doing the trolling, Dave Portnoy – infamous for making inappropriate jokes, thrashing underlings and having absolutely zero filter – is currently catching some major shade.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2025
-
Agents intercepted text messages in which Facey and Sanchez talked about using a private plane to spirit away an underling who had narrowly avoided arrest in Anchorage, prosecutors wrote in the bail motion.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
Foreign governments often engage in smear campaigns against anyone that does not toe the line, subjecting them to public excoriation and private surveillance.—
Schuyler Moore,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Mengele sought out twins who arrived at Auschwitz in order to subject them to medical experiments.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
-
President Donald Trump’s administration recently raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, less than three months after imposing a 25% tariff on them.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Silver did admit, however, that the ratings discussion that often dominates the conversation is an irritant for him.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
This is a game that will be dominating time on rec room TV or backseat car rides for years to come.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Watching and learning as a junior paid off when St. Laurence coach Teagan Walsh noticed.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2025
-
Key Background Hernandez, a junior at California’s Jurupa Valley High School, shared first place in the high jump and triple jump and second place in the long jump events at Saturday’s state track and field competition.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Yet, as trade tensions subdued, the stock rebounded 30% from its lowest point.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
-
The reaction from the Yankee Stadium crowd was largely subdued during Dobbins’ pregame introduction.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
-
Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share