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
  • The show’s Australia series has been criticized for subjecting contestants to potentially harmful situations, including a man who had a history of domestic abuse allegations.
    — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But after subjecting the models to a battery of tests, the researchers found that these simpler explanations couldn’t fully account for the models’ behavior.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of subjecting
Verb
  • A thing humanity must evolve beyond (or at least learn to control) to reach our highest destiny as galaxy conquering space lords or whatever.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Eleven country-pop songs behind a cover with a distinctly 2000s aesthetic, from a Pennsylvania girl with her sights set on conquering Nashville.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of conquering
Verb
  • The school's head teacher, Krzysztof Ochmanski, was injured while subduing the teenager, officials said.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The handful of Israeli passengers grappled with the copilot for several minutes before subduing him and binding his hands with the cord from a set of headphones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of subduing
Verb
  • Less than a year removed from a 3-9 record, the Bruins improved to 9-0 Saturday with a dominating 34-20 victory over physical Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • My talent, per se — not necessarily my skill level — my talent was dominating the basketball (competition) in the country.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of dominating
Verb
  • The Rams find the end zone late in the second quarter after a sluggish start and don’t look back, defeating the Chargers 24-9 to improve to 4-4 on the season.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The matchup was billed as a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which Seattle won in February by defeating New England 29-10 to claim the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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