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
Relevance
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 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
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
-
From there, lab directors select the wells with the highest concentrations of each virus, subjecting a reserved portion to further genetic analysis, which shows which subtype of each virus is present.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
She was bound and kidnapped as the trio drove her to Broward County, subjecting her to six to 10 hours of threatening to kill and rape her — at one point assaulting her.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
24 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
That disconnect, between fan adoration and critical praise, poses a challenge that Scott does seem interested in conquering.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Although loaded water was the key to conquering her morning sickness, Hoffman says that ginger was also incredibly helpful for her.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the representative for the armed wing of a human empire, you're tasked with subduing these Lovecraftian abominations and securing a foothold for humanity on alien worlds.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The past two months of mostly sideways churn within 3% of record highs for the S & P 500 has helped to rebalance the market, puncturing the aggressive sense of destiny around many AI plays, subduing some speculative misbehavior and allowing valuations to settle.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Jones has no worries about Hollywood pictures dominating the top categories.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
-
These nominees represent the different lanes of modern music marketing, each artist finding their lane and dominating it.—
Olivia Shalhoup,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Dirksen was elected to the Senate in 1950, defeating Scott Lucas, the incumbent Democrat and Senate majority leader.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
McBeth had a successful week for Saratoga, defeating her 11th-grade opponent from MacDonald High 13-1 on Tuesday.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
