as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another
his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in underling
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to subject
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subordinate
Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In China, for example, the constitution states that everything in the governmental system, including the courts, is subordinate to the leadership of the Communist Party.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Liz Kislik, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Waltz also indulged in several of the histrionic television appearances that Trump demands of his subordinates.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
The approval of Musk’s DOGE subordinates to use software that could allow for vast data transfers has alarmed some Labor Department employees.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2025
Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
The only way to avoid a subordination discount is to be capital-efficient.
—Michael Szalontay, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
As subsidiaries, they are often deprived of strategic independence and fiscal autonomy, rendering long-term growth plans subordinate to broader organizational priorities.
—Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In China, for example, the constitution states that everything in the governmental system, including the courts, is subordinate to the leadership of the Communist Party.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
Quit The Blame Game Unfortunately, the worst leaders displace their own responsibility for lack of clarity or unawareness of true conditions and then hold subordinates responsible for whatever goes wrong.
—Liz Kislik, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Waltz also indulged in several of the histrionic television appearances that Trump demands of his subordinates.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
True authenticity emerges when leaders subordinate ego to purpose.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
The approval of Musk’s DOGE subordinates to use software that could allow for vast data transfers has alarmed some Labor Department employees.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
The armed forces have never aspired or organized to overthrow the government, and their professional ethos of subordination to civilian control is deeply ingrained.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 30 Nov. 2024
The only way to avoid a subordination discount is to be capital-efficient.
—Michael Szalontay, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
-
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.—
Staff Writer
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2023
-
The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.—
Nicole Goodkind,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2023
Verb
-
Court documents allege Hemphill subjected his victims to hours-long abuse, raping them under the threat of torture — often with electricity through the cattle prods and shock collars.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Spelunking is not exactly a go-to subject for a musical.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While less than six months have passed since the 2024 presidential election, sports media star Stephen A. Smith appears to already be looking ahead to 2028.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
Collectible figures tied to that offering sold out in less than two weeks.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Now, Huang is dominating the romance genre herself, even solidifying a place on the Top 5 bestselling BookTok authors with over 1.47 million copies sold in 2024, according to Forbes.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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The global production of rare earth minerals and other strategically important materials has long been dominated by China, leaving Western countries desperate for other alternative sources – including Ukraine.—
Victoria Butenko,
CNN Money,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Check out these suggestions, each of which, if multiplied by others, can help subdue climate change: Choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The end, at 7:35 a.m., Monday was subdued and pain-free.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
-
Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Verb
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And, of course, delve deeper into The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change for additional frameworks to conquer all that niceness when the book becomes available in October 2025.—
Simone E. Morris,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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At various times in its long history, the region has either been coveted, conquered or controlled by the Greeks, the Roman Byzantines, the Genoese, the Mongols, Ottomans, Russians, Ukrainians, and even by the Germans for a brief period during World War II.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
His last loss came in January 2019, when Geoff Neal defeated him via decision.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Perhaps their most memorable face-off came in 2021, when Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers famously defeated Patrick and the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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