subordinating

verb

Definition of subordinatingnext
present participle of subordinate
as in subjecting
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

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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 subordinating 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 The reorganization also gives the White House and the Department of Homeland Security new authority to oversee transnational crime investigations, subordinating the DEA and federal prosecutors, who were central to the previous system. — Tim Golden, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2026 The film was reviewed favorably and did well, but its prime legacy is the firing and replacement of Stroheim, which Hollywood insiders instantly understood as the moment that definitively solidified the studio system, subordinating directors to producers’ commercial demands and industrial methods. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026 Although China is eager to use BRICS as a platform to expand its influence and advertise its governance model, other members remain wary of subordinating their interests to Beijing’s ambitions. — Oliver Stuenkel, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinating
  1. subjecting
  2. conquering
  3. subduing
  4. dominating
  5. defeating
Verb
  • Ford had introduced the moving assembly line in 1913, subjecting workers to repeating the same easily learned task again and again—boosting productivity and disciplining laborers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Carr has been investigating diversity practices at Comcast since February 2025 and not ruled out subjecting its NBC licenses to an early review.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of subjecting
Verb
  • There’s no better way to add a jolt of prestige to an aspiring Oscar vehicle than the sight of its stars, bedecked in all their finery, arriving on the Lido by water taxi in the manner of conquering heroes.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Then again, Bentley still knows a thing or two about racing, most recently conquering the challenging and prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours race in 2020 with a GT3 version of the Continental GT3.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquering
Verb
  • Beer that was fresh, full of flavor and aroma, and hadn’t traveled hundreds of miles or been pasteurized subduing the bright flavors.
    — Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The drones rip through the hallways scanning for a threat before disorienting a suspect using flashing lights and subduing them using pepper balls or by ramming into their body, the company says.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of subduing
Verb
  • Tanook Hines also had a TD reception, and freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt had six catches for 102 yards as the Trojans (2-0) followed up their Week 0 win over San Jose State by comprehensively dominating the Bulldogs (0-1).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • At the start of 2026, there was a daunting gap to Mercedes, which tore out of the blocks by dominating in Australia.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dominating
Verb
  • Northern California received a boost with Folsom defeating Mission Viejo 35-21.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Botic van de Zandschulp, who knocked Carlos Alcaraz out of this event two years ago, is into the fourth round after defeating Zizou Bergs 3-6, 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of defeating

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Cite this Entry

“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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