subscribe

1
as in to agree
to give or express one's approval (as to a proposal) promised that as president he would never subscribe to the use of torture as an interrogation method, regardless of the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to sign
to write one's name on (as a document) they dutifully subscribed several dozen forms at the mortgage closing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word subscribe distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subscribe are accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, and consent. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

When might accede be a better fit than subscribe?

In some situations, the words accede and subscribe are roughly equivalent. However, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

In what contexts can acquiesce take the place of subscribe?

Although the words acquiesce and subscribe have much in common, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Where would agree be a reasonable alternative to subscribe?

The meanings of agree and subscribe largely overlap; however, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When is it sensible to use assent instead of subscribe?

While the synonyms assent and subscribe are close in meaning, assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When would consent be a good substitute for subscribe?

The synonyms consent and subscribe are sometimes interchangeable, but consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

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 subscribe And if you're not subscribed yet, this is the best time to hop on board. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Click here to subscribe and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 As always, thank you so much for subscribing and supporting this work. Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 26 July 2025 In July, both Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire sought to issue five-year regional bonds; Abidjan’s was fully subscribed, but Senegal withdrew its tranche, an unmistakable sign that the issuer judged the rates asked too high. Joël Té-Léssia Assoko, semafor.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subscribe
Verb
  • Under the deal agreed last month, Japanese auto exports into the US would face a 15% tariff, down from levies totaling 27.5% previously.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • On the episode, Simu Liu, who had previously led the daytime talk show for Clarkson in 2022, agreed to pivot from guest to host for the day.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At the time of publishing, the other main summer signing Marcus Rashford, who has joined on loan from Manchester United, hasn’t been cleared to play but that could change before kick off.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But even those who assent to most of his criticisms might balk at following Anderson to his final destination, which is to bluntly deny India much of a future in the modern world.
    Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013
  • The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Seth P. Waxman, a solicitor general for the Clinton administration, initially refused, but eventually assented after further criticism from Judge Reyes.
    Chris Cameron, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subscribe. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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