Synonyms of subordinating

subordinating

verb

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

• subjecting
• conquering
• subduing
• dominating
• defeating
• overcoming
• subjugating
• enslaving
• reducing
• vanquishing
• pacifying
• overpowering
• crushing
• beating
• annihilating
• smashing
• whipping
• suppressing
• licking
• routing
• quelling
• prevailing (over)
• clobbering
• repressing
• trouncing
• mowing (down)
• triumphing (over)
• thrashing
• walloping
• silencing
• quashing
• smothering
• squashing
• squelching
• drubbing
• cracking down (on)
• clamping down (on)
• putting down
• breaking
• skunking
• snuffing (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freeing
• emancipating
• discharging
• liberating
• springing
• releasing
• enfranchising
• manumitting
• unfettering
• unchaining
• unbinding
• uncaging

Example Sentences

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