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
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Recent Examples of subordinating
In the 1930s, the Marine Corps, the most independent of the military services, wrote a doctrine explicitly subordinating its expeditionary forces to the direction of diplomats.
—
Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 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
Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 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
Verb
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The 49-year-old from Carver, Massachusetts is accused of running a dogfighting operation for years; breeding and training dogs for violence and subjecting the animals to disturbing and cruel conditions and punishment.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Such a model would probably be a good edition to a home or office, so buyers can show off their wheels without subjecting viewers to a garage.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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One after another, the avatars of Democratic success in Georgia took the stage Saturday and were greeted like conquering heroes by hundreds of party faithful at the annual Carter-Lewis gala.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
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Although Beijing has numerous options for conquering Taiwan, the most appealing for the Chinese military would begin with a partial blockade of the island, much like the one Iran imposed on the strait.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
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Mario himself is played mostly straight by Pratt, subduing the exaggerated Italian accent from the games, while retaining the underdog aspect of a blue collar guy burdened with greater purpose.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ella Langley is dominating country music Ella Langley is on top of the world.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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Two of the biggest companies dominating the industry are Kalshi and Polymarket.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ben Shelton bounced back from disappointment last year by defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 7-5 to win the Munich Open on Sunday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
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Cargill won the title at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November, defeating Tiffany Stratton.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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