subversion

noun

Definition of subversionnext
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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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 subversion Subversion of the Source Material One of the biggest issues in Hollywood, especially over the last decade, is subversion of the source material. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 And because of that canon, Tapert and Raimi are there to ensure that any subversions don’t go too far astray. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Bright says this reimagining and subversion of expectations fits neatly with her team’s vision. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 June 2026 In my fiction, my grandfather was no longer an inscrutable ghost, but a character with definable flaws, who did things in an order that, despite whatever twists and subversions, resolved into meaning. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subversion
  1. sabotage
  2. insurrection
  3. treason
  4. rebellion
  5. unrest
  6. treachery
Noun
  • Germany’s cabinet approved new rules for its spies Wednesday to lift World War II-era restrictions on offensive cyber operations, sabotage, and espionage.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With the state report complete, and vigilante sabotage ruled out, Mulholland retook the inquest stand.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sabotage
Noun
  • As Port falls in with a group of conspirators preparing for the insurrection, the book takes on a hallucinatory, digressive quality, blurring the lines between life and death, reality and illusion.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Stephen Colbert’s award-winning Late Show was canceled in a move that many have labeled political appeasement, and the flagship evening newscast baselessly recast the January 6 insurrection as a partisan squabble.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of insurrection
Noun
  • Scottish rebel William Wallace was executed for treason in London.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, Russian prosecutors have begun to charge more of these Ukrainians with treason—for the crime of betraying Russia—rather than with harming the interests of a foreign state.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of treason
Noun
  • In several instances these rituals were utilized during slave rebellions; the New York slave rebellion of 1712 reportedly began with a pact sealed in blood and powder, a practice with African religious parallels.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Freedom matters to you more than keeping up with traditions, which is where your financial savviness comes into play, not to mention rebellion.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebellion
Noun
  • Other factors have contributed to unrest over inflation, some analysts said.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Any potential for unrest or protests related to people’s monitoring of market forecasts is likely to come in the days following the election, while ballots still are being counted, Logan said.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrest
Noun
  • For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Definition of treachery

Browse Nearby Words

subventions
subversion
subversions
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Cite this Entry

“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subversion. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of subversion for Spanish Speakers

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