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
Tracie Canada / Made By History, TIME, 1 Jan. 2025
Ross McHarg Photo: Bravo/Laurent Bassett/Bravo Bosun Below Deck Season 10
—
This bosun hooked up with subordinate Katie Glaser, then flirted with Alissa Humber and other women at the bar right under her nose.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Jones is the one person known to have had possession of Abel’s phone after parting ways with her subordinate.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
Before him, producers wielded most of the power, relegating writers to subordinate roles.
—Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subordinate 
Adjective
Despite a propaganda campaign encouraging all Americans to come together and do their part to defeat the Axis and totalitarianism, the U.S. military remained rigidly segregated with people of color subjugated into subordinate roles and Black soldiers discriminated against abroad and at home.
—Tracie Canada / Made By History, TIME, 1 Jan. 2025
Ross McHarg Photo: Bravo/Laurent Bassett/Bravo Bosun Below Deck Season 10
—
This bosun hooked up with subordinate Katie Glaser, then flirted with Alissa Humber and other women at the bar right under her nose.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
While the Supreme Court ruled in a very broad decision last term that the President has absolute immunity for official actions, that ruling does not apply to his subordinates throughout the executive branch.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Jones is the one person known to have had possession of Abel’s phone after parting ways with her subordinate.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
Yet their dangerously unquestioned need to counter or even beat China in region after region across the globe is not only reactionary but also subordinates U.S. interests to a fight that drains resources and goodwill while foreclosing opportunities for cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
—Nancy Okail, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024
Before him, producers wielded most of the power, relegating writers to subordinate roles.
—Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinate
Adjective
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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
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Don't bet on Trump paying the underling's fine, and that $1,000 a day could add up to well over $1,000,000 before Trump leaves office.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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This is not an image of himself as Kier Eagan, but of Kier in blackface to appease a useful Black underling.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As outlined above, these e-bike users subjected the batteries to abuses, increasing the risk of fire.—
John Orlando,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2025
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Landlords complained that would force them to enroll in a voluntary federal program, which would subject them to unwanted red tape.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In less than two weeks, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will recognize the best of cinematic achievements from the past year.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Schenn is seen as a good captain, though, and the club needs more pros around the younger players, not less.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For years, the conversation around sustainability has been dominated by a singular focus: going green.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Poway—As expected, the Titans dominated, winning all but one of the 14 weight classes and having all 14 wrestlers move on to the Masters meet.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Incoming college prospects The Blackhawks could have a number of college prospects turn pro and make their NHL debuts this season, most likely Boston University junior forward Ryan Greene, Minnesota sophomore Oliver Moore and Minnesota sophomore defenseman Sam Rinzel.—
Scott Powers,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
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West Aurora junior Maya Rabadan was really surprised last season when she was asked to play in the post.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harissa, a hot chili pepper paste, is subdued by a zesty orange flavor.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
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Swift subdued Beauty brands aren’t making as many appearances at this year’s Super Bowl, despite Taylor Swift likely making another appearance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
7 Feb. 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
Thesaurus Entries Near subordinate
Cite this Entry
“Subordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinate. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
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