as in lesser
having not so great importance or rank as another
his contention is that environment plays a subordinate role to heredity in determining what we become
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in underling
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another
subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to subject
to bring under one's control by force of arms
it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subordinate
Stephen J. Thomas, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Trump's recent rhetoric and aggressive tariff policies have revived concerns that his administration sees Canada as a subordinate economic partner rather than a sovereign ally.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
The dissent among the top ranks of Mr. Trump’s administration was rare for a president whose demands for absolute loyalty have resulted in dramatic executive actions by his subordinates, all acting in lock step to quickly push through Mr. Trump’s agenda.
—Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Charley Locke, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
The Marshals, in other words, are executive branch officials subordinate to the president.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Adjective
Depending on who Congress confirms to lead the U.S. Health and Human Services and its family of subordinate agencies, infectious diseases research could be significantly de-prioritized and under resourced in both money and human capital.
—Stephen J. Thomas, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Trump's recent rhetoric and aggressive tariff policies have revived concerns that his administration sees Canada as a subordinate economic partner rather than a sovereign ally.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
For another question, Bunny recommends that one of her subordinates look in the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
The dissent among the top ranks of Mr. Trump’s administration was rare for a president whose demands for absolute loyalty have resulted in dramatic executive actions by his subordinates, all acting in lock step to quickly push through Mr. Trump’s agenda.
—Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
The iPhone had turned my mind into a version of a notification screen, and this tumult swept me up, subordinating my moods and mind to its whims.
—Charley Locke, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
The Marshals, in other words, are executive branch officials subordinate to the president.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
-
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.—
Staff Writer
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2023
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The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.—
Nicole Goodkind,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
The new emails are also intended to allow supervisors to get a better understanding of underlings’ work and help align different agencies.—
Brady Knox,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Feb. 2025
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May Be the Way to Stop Trump and Musk | Opinion A court could order Trump or an underling to appear for a contempt of court hearing, but an underling is more likely to show up.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Three former and current volunteer firefighters have filed a lawsuit against an ex-New Jersey police officer and fire official, accusing him of subjecting them to abuse under the guise of training exercises.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2025
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Another retailer said that along with several tariffs added for Chinese goods, as well as steel and aluminum tariffs, the new port fees would subject some imports to additional duties between 90 and 95 percent.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the Wildlands route would affect less forest clearing, wetlands, and trout streams.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
As of March 18, 2025, Gorsuch broke with the majority on three opinions—tied with Jackson and one less than Thomas.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Fastest car the last couple weeks, been in position to just dominate races.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
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Back in China though, BYD is a powerhouse and dominates the market.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Or a scrappy politician 31 years her junior who is immersed in local issues and knows the inner workings of City Hall?—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Emmett Johnson, the junior who has rushed for 1,008 yards in the past two seasons, leads the group.—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Medium-bodied this has excellent ripeness, very good acidity, subdued wood notes, medium-weight tannins and very good persistence.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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After an initial burst of optimism upon Trump’s election, growth now looks to be more subdued.—
Rob Wile,
NBC News,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
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Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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