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
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 subordinate
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Whatever else is printed—articles about religion, Israel, humor pieces—is subordinate to the obituaries.
—David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
After clashing with his first commissioner, Mark G. Peters, Mr. de Blasio fired him, citing a report by an independent investigator that said Mr. Peters had abused his power and mistreated subordinates.
—Jan Ransom, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
In these conditions, there is a significant chance that Trump’s efforts to subordinate America’s partners will backfire by hastening the dissolution of U.S. hegemony.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
Therefore, all the other religions found in India thrive because of Hinduism, and are subordinate to it.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Whatever else is printed—articles about religion, Israel, humor pieces—is subordinate to the obituaries.
—David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
By using stories to share ideas and offer suggestions, introverted leaders can seem more relatable and approachable to their subordinates.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
After clashing with his first commissioner, Mark G. Peters, Mr. de Blasio fired him, citing a report by an independent investigator that said Mr. Peters had abused his power and mistreated subordinates.
—Jan Ransom, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
In a world where every moment must be productive, where caregiving is systematically devalued and where human relationships are subordinated to market logic, Miss Huang represents a future where childhood survives only as a date on a birth certificate.
—Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
In these conditions, there is a significant chance that Trump’s efforts to subordinate America’s partners will backfire by hastening the dissolution of U.S. hegemony.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
-
In the mornings, some managers might even dispatch an underling to scout a location for picnicking later on and proceed to give that person part of the day off.—
Kholood Eid,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
The 18-month program was like a scene out of The Bear, with abusive head chefs berating their underlings.—
John Hyatt,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Use of the funds to pay for unapproved expenses would subject accountholders to penalties.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
22 May 2025
-
And that order clearly violates the separation of powers, subjecting a presidential advisory body to intrusive discovery and threatening the confidentiality and candor of its advice, putatively to address a legal question that never should have necessitated discovery in this case at all.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
To a lesser extent, McDavid was part of Leon Draisaitl’s Rocket-winning act this season.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
-
Most affordable Memorial Day deal: Get a digital meat thermometer for less than $13.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Rihanna’s ability to dominate the pop arena without compromising her Barbadian hertiage certainly served as a breakthrough for Caribbean artists.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Torrey Pines, which finished runner-up to CCA in the Open Division, and Canyon Crest have dominated the San Diego Section in recent years.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Fisher, the No. 25 prospect in the Class of 2025, helped lead IMG Academy to its first appearance in the girls’ Chipotle Nationals championship as a junior in 2024.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
-
Wong was third with a 70 as a junior, fourth with a 74 as sophomore and tied for fourth with a 71 as a freshman.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Officers used a taser on the man to try to subdue him, according to Cleverdon.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 May 2025
-
One of the investigators fired non-lethal beanbag rounds at the man to try to subdue him, but Hampson fled.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share