as in rebel
someone who tries to overthrow or undermine a governing power
They were outted as subversives and exiled from the country.
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as in violent
seeking to overthrow or undermine a governing power
A subversive organization determined to unseat a leader who they believed operated outside the law.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subversive
Juliana Ukiomogbe,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
The seamless integration of old and new feels stealthy, and a touch subversive, a doubling-down on the museum’s approach to time as nonlinear, sinuous and delightfully slippery.
—
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Instead, the stylish couple spent the construction years combing through vintage markets, building a concept that’s classic, but singular and a little subversive.
—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
On November 25, 1947, a majority of Hollywood top brass met at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and drafted the notorious Waldorf Statement that promised no studio would employ anyone who was a communist or suspected subversive.
—
Chris Yogerst,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
Loners lashing out America has had genuine subversives and left-wing terror networks in the past.
—
Michelle Goldberg,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
An obsession with Perfidia Beverly Hills (a magnetic Teyana Taylor), the animating figure behind a militant organization called the French 75 and the most stunning subversive to flaunt an automatic weapon while heavily pregnant.
—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 2025
To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.
—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
André's chaotic talk show, The Eric Andre Show (2012–2023), established the actor and comedian as a true subversive, which makes his turns in projects such as The Lion King (2019) and Trolls Band Together (2023) that much more amusing.
—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
The book also delves into her biracial identity and her father's subversive artistry, ultimately seeking to foster more direct, empathetic conversations about race, identity, and human connection.
—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Zines started off as subversive, created by cultural outsiders to reject the mainstream.
—
Rachel Schneider,
The Conversation,
17 June 2026
When a court could sentence a man to ninety days in prison for quoting the nation’s founding document, in a manner supposedly subversive of the war, the crisis was complete.
—
Literary Hub,
15 June 2026
Over the years, the film has developed cult classic status for its subversive tone (credited to screenwriter James Gunn) and nostalgic early-2000s aesthetic.
—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 June 2026
Ahead, find the five dark June nail colors experts recommend painting on for a subversive summer manicure.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
Under creative director Chemena Kamali, the brand has embraced its bohemian roots with a subversive twist, mixing sheer billowing silhouettes with unexpected footwear.
—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Lean into its subversive nature with an open-weave knit and a midiskirt.
—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
3 June 2026
Noun
Kristen Stewart loves to be a little subversive with her fashion choices.
—
Juliana Ukiomogbe,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
The seamless integration of old and new feels stealthy, and a touch subversive, a doubling-down on the museum’s approach to time as nonlinear, sinuous and delightfully slippery.
—
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Instead, the stylish couple spent the construction years combing through vintage markets, building a concept that’s classic, but singular and a little subversive.
—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
On November 25, 1947, a majority of Hollywood top brass met at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and drafted the notorious Waldorf Statement that promised no studio would employ anyone who was a communist or suspected subversive.
—
Chris Yogerst,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
Loners lashing out America has had genuine subversives and left-wing terror networks in the past.
—
Michelle Goldberg,
Mercury News,
27 Sep. 2025
An obsession with Perfidia Beverly Hills (a magnetic Teyana Taylor), the animating figure behind a militant organization called the French 75 and the most stunning subversive to flaunt an automatic weapon while heavily pregnant.
—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 2025
To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.
—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
André's chaotic talk show, The Eric Andre Show (2012–2023), established the actor and comedian as a true subversive, which makes his turns in projects such as The Lion King (2019) and Trolls Band Together (2023) that much more amusing.
—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The trio join previously announced stars Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa in the subversive fairy tale adventure.
—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
The book also delves into her biracial identity and her father's subversive artistry, ultimately seeking to foster more direct, empathetic conversations about race, identity, and human connection.
—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Zines started off as subversive, created by cultural outsiders to reject the mainstream.
—
Rachel Schneider,
The Conversation,
17 June 2026
When a court could sentence a man to ninety days in prison for quoting the nation’s founding document, in a manner supposedly subversive of the war, the crisis was complete.
—
Literary Hub,
15 June 2026
Over the years, the film has developed cult classic status for its subversive tone (credited to screenwriter James Gunn) and nostalgic early-2000s aesthetic.
—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 June 2026
Ahead, find the five dark June nail colors experts recommend painting on for a subversive summer manicure.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
Under creative director Chemena Kamali, the brand has embraced its bohemian roots with a subversive twist, mixing sheer billowing silhouettes with unexpected footwear.
—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Lean into its subversive nature with an open-weave knit and a midiskirt.
—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subversive
Noun
-
Well after the first Darfur war had faded from headlines, this duo continued to put down rebel groups throughout the country through brutal methods.
-
Finding an off-ramp is increasingly becoming necessary for GOP leadership as House rebels threaten to shut down the floor in the absence of a path forward.
Adjective
-
The march stems from the violent 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn that catalyzed the gay rights movement at a time when many people who were LGBTQIA+ hid their identity.
-
Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
Noun
-
Gray is endorsed by Kansas City’s branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, and represents the insurgent left flank of the Democratic Party in the race.
-
Out went what was left of country-club Republicanism; in came the Fifth Avenue insurgent and his MAGA hordes.
Adjective
-
Morelia is named after José María Morelos, a revolutionary priest and key leader of the Mexican War of Independence.
-
For me, rock and roll is a revolutionary act in and of itself.
Noun
-
Earlier this week, Swiss anarchist-hacker Maia Arson Crimew leaked information about Dialog, the secretive, invite-only organization cofounded by right-wing tech billionaire Peter Thiel in 2006.
-
Trump has long invoked the term against a range of political opponents, including peaceful protesters without anarchist-leanings.
Cite this Entry
“Subversive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subversive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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