SUBORDINATING Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

subordinating

verb

Definition of subordinating

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

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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

Verb

Delta Upsilon was removed from KU’s campus in 2018 after fraternity members were found to have violated the student code by subjecting prospective members to sleep deprivation, physical violence and forced alcohol consumption.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
On July 7, the Board of Directors approved an ordinance to move forward without subjecting the design work to competitive bids, using the Bezos Earth Fund dollars under the control of chamber officials.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2026

Definition of subjecting

Verb

The all-conquering Liverpool side of the 1980s were twice fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw, too.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
In the eighteenth century, while Russia fixated on conquering Eurasia, Britain developed the steam engine; in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, while Europeans fought over Africa, Americans mastered the assembly line.

— Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of conquering

Verb

This means the market makers, often called dealers, are the ones that have to play catch-up, adding to volatility instead of subduing it.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Rome — The death of a Moroccan man in police custody has sparked protests – some violent – in the northern city of Bologna after video of the incident showing officers forcefully subduing the man circulated online.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of subduing

Verb

China has sought to build comparable leverage by promoting the renminbi in cross-border trade, developing alternative payment systems, and dominating critical supply chains.

— Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
Think glazed donut nails, which have been dominating manicures since 2022, gemstone sets for Coachella weekends, and now, lemon drop nails.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominating

Verb

Instead of overcoming their fatal flaw and defeating their shadow-self, the titular Eternals are reckoning with their relationship to God and the grand arc of human history.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Oba Femi, who rose to prominence after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 and winning the 2026 King of the Ring, recently concluded his intense rivalry with Lesnar.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of defeating

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subordinates

subordinating

subordination

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“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of subordinating

verb

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