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

Those individual leases were subordinate to BDC’s ground lease, meaning Reitman’s group was responsible not just for reopening the theater but for maintaining and overseeing its existing tenancy structure. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Though Overton and Kennedy have worked closely on a range of health priorities, some people familiar with the dynamic questioned how the two would mesh if Overton moves from the White House to an FDA role that is technically subordinate to Kennedy. — Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

More broadly, struggling to name specific contributions by others even when specifically prompted to do so or remaining vague about developing subordinates are flags that the candidate may engage in toxic patterns. — Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Impressive Humility with peers, and something else entirely with subordinates. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

The general idea predated Wilson, but his willingness to use it in service of that abhorrent compromise—subordinating the dignity and equality of individual people to the importance of the American union—showed that his commitment to popular sovereignty had its limits. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026