Synonyms of subversive

subversive 1 of 2

noun

as in rebel

someone who tries to overthrow or undermine a governing power

They were outted as subversives and exiled from the country.

Related Words

• rebel
• insurgent
• revolutionary
• anarchist
• traitor
• radical
• extremist
• renegade
• agitator
• insurrectionist
• anarch
• troublemaker
• revolutionist
• alarmist
• separatist
• crazy
• separationist
• secessionist
• revolter
• defector
• deserter
• conspirator
• collaborator
• intriguer
• Judas
• turncoat
• quisling
• collaborationist
• coconspirator
• plotter
• young Turk
• subverter
• schemer
• apostate
• betrayer
• double-dealer
• snake
• double-crosser
• sellout
• serpent
• backstabber
• recreant
• accommodationist

subversive

2 of 2

adjective

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.

Related Words

• violent
• revolutionary
• radical
• provocative
• exciting
• inflammatory
• provoking
• incendiary
• wild
• reactionary
• inciting
• rabid
• agitating
• fomenting
• rabble-rousing
• instigating
• extremist
• extreme
• fanatic
• ultra
• revolutionist

Dissimilar Words

• conservative
• moderate
• traditional
• conventional
• progressive
• temperate
• liberal
• orthodox
• middle-of-the-road
• nonrevolutionary
• unrevolutionary

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subversive

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

Gwen Stefani’s seemingly subversive (but actually appropriative) pop punk palatable feminism-lite was another touchstone for Elle. — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026

The effect is personal, expressive, and quietly subversive, reflecting a growing desire to move beyond labels and toward individuality. — Genesis Rivas, InStyle, 1 July 2026

The trio join previously announced stars Cynthia Erivo and Ncuti Gatwa in the subversive fairy tale adventure. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026

Written in a style disarming and gently subversive, Slaughterhouse-Five expresses outrage at war that even now remains in opposition to conventional wisdom. — Spin Team, SPIN, 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