as in sabotage
secret efforts to weaken or ruin a political system or government from within
They were arrested on charges of political subversion.
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Recent Examples of subversion
Hall’s subversion of menswear — floppy hats, loose slacks and oversized collared shirts, or a necktie bursting out from the bottom of a waistcoat — was, in many ways, Keaton’s own.
—
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
The cameos could be read as objects, pieces conveying a subversion of Victorian values.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
In this melancholy-comic subversion of a rags-to-riches story Karl’s empathetic musings about those less fortunate immigrants foreshadow his subsequent downhill trajectory.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
The film’s first half-hour chronicles leftist subversion with documentary precision, as Pat and company bomb campaign headquarters and attempt to take down California’s power grid.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
The cameos could be read as objects, pieces conveying a subversion of Victorian values.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
In this melancholy-comic subversion of a rags-to-riches story Karl’s empathetic musings about those less fortunate immigrants foreshadow his subsequent downhill trajectory.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
The film’s first half-hour chronicles leftist subversion with documentary precision, as Pat and company bomb campaign headquarters and attempt to take down California’s power grid.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subversion
Noun
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This month tests your ability to evolve without self-sabotage.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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Any credible evidence of sabotage or arson will be met with a swift and resolute response.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Federal law allows the president to use military force domestically only in cases of insurrection or when enforcement of federal laws becomes impossible through civilian agencies.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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During her time in Congress, Liz Cheney, a Republican, also voted to impeach Trump and led the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Its leader Tundu Lissu has been detained on charges of treason after Hassan’s government accused him of planning to disrupt the October 29 election.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
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The country's largest opposition party Chadema was banned from contesting the elections and its leader Tundu Lissu is currently on trial on treason charges.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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While details of Gatwa’s character are not yet known, Erivo’s Jayne is described as a trailblazing fairy whose defiant streak sparks a rebellion.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
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From its beginning, the leaders of the rebellion well understood the global reach and resonance of their great struggle.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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However, unrest still broke out at the game on Thursday, with anti-Israel protesters in the vicinity.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Tanzania is one of several African countries to hold disputed elections this year that have resulted in unrest.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Tarabay leads the cast as the titular Ashur, now thriving after his treachery.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
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And when the surviving crew interrogates the android Ash about his treachery, the book has him pretty much spill the space beans.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subversion. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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