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
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
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
Verb
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To avoid subjecting yourself to heat stress, try to do most of your outdoor work in the early morning or at dusk when the weather is cooler.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 June 2026
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Unlike a rocket, which accelerates to escape velocity over a few minutes, subjecting its crew to strong but survivable g-forces, a projectile fired from a cannon accelerates almost instantaneously.—
Neil Oseman,
Space.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Her past several albums did not reach the same heights as her biggest releases, and the story around Perry shifted from world-conquering hitmaker to a star on the downswing – one whose latest singles and albums all underperformed, and things weren’t looking up.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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This was Maserati‘s all-conquering factory race car of the mid-1950s and, unquestionably, one of the most beautiful ever built.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Viewers have already seen glimpses of the premiere, which involves Aang and Katara subduing a sea serpent while guiding refugees across a treacherous path.—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
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Officers then shot her with a Taser, subduing her enough to take her into custody, police said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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So far, Argentina jerseys are dominating the area, with an hour and a half to go before kickoff.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
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Controlling regulations For all this to work, NextEra and Dominion need to excel in the final way that utilities make profits – dominating the regulatory arena.—
Conor Harrison,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines hoists the trophy after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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Leviatán has been crowned Valorant Masters London champions, defeating Paper Rex 3-2 in a dramatic grand final.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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