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
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Recent Examples of subordinate
Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Santa’s elves are subordinate Clauses.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
King instead told the grand jury that any changes to Goodloe’s working conditions had been the decision of a subordinate, according to the indictment.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
John Schmidt, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Similarly, plans to subordinate the West Bank Border Police to Ben-Gvir’s Ministry of National Security threaten to dismantle the unified command structure that has been instrumental in managing tensions in the occupied West Bank since 1967.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
The inspector general's investigation found that Reece and Ruff — who were supervisor and subordinate — did not disclose their romantic relationship, which is a violation of a city executive order.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Santa’s elves are subordinate Clauses.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
Noun
In 2024, Ronnie Reese, Johnson’s first press secretary, kept his job for months after harassment allegations were lodged against him by female subordinates.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
King instead told the grand jury that any changes to Goodloe’s working conditions had been the decision of a subordinate, according to the indictment.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
Some of these transfers may run into conflicts with the existing police union contract; if that happens, Pallmeyer should not hesitate to use her power to subordinate those contractual provisions to the requirements of constitutional policing under the court decree.
—John Schmidt, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Similarly, plans to subordinate the West Bank Border Police to Ben-Gvir’s Ministry of National Security threaten to dismantle the unified command structure that has been instrumental in managing tensions in the occupied West Bank since 1967.
—Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
-
Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.—
Lindsey Witmer Collins,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Back then, Srinivas noted, a computer was the name for an astronomer’s apprentice; the underling tasked with doing the calculations to support the boss’ celestial theories.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Shell looked to be on his way to a high-profile comeback after losing his job as NBCUniversal chief executive three years ago over an inappropriate relationship with an underling.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But Almodóvar does here, and has at least one character subjecting Raul’s screenplay, and so Elsa’s story, to serious criticism of its faulty structure.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Before Poway first approved the development decades ago, the site was subjected in 2001 to an archaeological survey that found hundreds of Native American artifacts recovered, in addition to about 10 grams of bone — discoveries the review deemed culturally significant.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is most likely to happen when the temperature is 36 degrees or less.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Fifty units would have to be rented to households that earn below 80% of the median income for the Baltimore area; 25 units would be for residents that make less than 50% of the median income, and 26 units would be rented at market rates.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Buchanon, a redshirt junior who is 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds, spent his first three seasons at FIU and redshirted in 2023.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
After an excellent draft year that included success across four different levels (two junior, two pro), Strömgren’s post-draft season four years ago was more of an up-and-down one that left scouts wanting more.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While there’s little need to leave for dining, with the three on-site options easily dominating a weekend stay, nearby venues like Locanda Verde and Cafe Atelier could easily sub for the room service and free in-room Nespresso machines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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Posing in a new campaign for Miu Miu's 2026 leather goods, Hadid complemented her playful new pixie with bright, block colors that also echoed the primary hues that dominated 1960s fashion and film.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That comes to the Philippines in the form of war, as well as through the invocation, or establishment, of American-style modes of government and education that place Filipinos along this racial hierarchy, identifying them as these inferiors that need to be taught how to govern themselves.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Betts subdued the momentum with a block on Booker’s layup attempt with 20 seconds left, and Rice then made two free throws, sending Close’s crew into the title game.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
There, the pioneers—practical, inventive, restless, exuberant white men—clashed with Indigenous peoples, subduing them and a wilderness filled with wild animals and abundant natural resources.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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