as in obedience
a bending to the authority or control of another
an oligarchy requires subordination by the masses to the will of a tiny elite
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 subordination
The documentation should show the commercial rationale for the advance, a repayment schedule, any security or subordination terms, and actions consistent with a creditor relationship (for example, formal demands for payment, enforcement steps or arms‑length interest rates).
—
Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Trump’s Oval Office subordination of the Europeans was stunning.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
Imperialism is always about conquest and total subordination of one regime to another.
—Ronald Suny, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
Sheinbaum said members of her administration had been working with U.S. officials on a broader security agreement based on sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect and coordination without subordination.
—Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordination
Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Trump’s Oval Office subordination of the Europeans was stunning.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
Imperialism is always about conquest and total subordination of one regime to another.
—Ronald Suny, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2025
Sheinbaum said members of her administration had been working with U.S. officials on a broader security agreement based on sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect and coordination without subordination.
—Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordination
Noun
-
September 23 – October 22 Leadership doesn’t always look like strict command structures and demands for immediate obedience.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Nguyen explained that the red envelopes carry similar significance as Christmas presents with an intention of teaching children respect, love, care and obedience.—
Suryatapa Chakraborty,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With their vaunted defense, the Seahawks grabbed the Patriots and squeezed them into submission.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Walker, a fourth-year pro, rushed for a game-high 135 yards as Seattle’s offense did enough to let its defense smother New England into submission.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In response to the congressional request, Coupang affirmed its compliance.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In essence, companies are less likely to find a sympathetic ear if their import activities are investigated by the DOJ, so building a strong foundation for compliance is essential.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordination. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
