insubordinate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
-ˈbȯrd-nət
Synonyms of insubordinate
: disobedient to authority
insubordinate noun
insubordinately adverb
insubordination
ˌin(t)-sə-ˌbȯr-də-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
noun

insubordination

2 of 2

noun

in·​subordination "+ How to pronounce insubordination (audio)
: the quality or state of being insubordinate : defiance of authority : mutiny

Synonyms of insubordinate

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Adjective

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Examples of insubordinate in a Sentence

Adjective His behavior was unprofessional and insubordinate. the junior officer was court-martialed for being insubordinate
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
What is supposed to be a brief stay is extended when Pepper is deemed insubordinate by the cold and menacing staff. — Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 In a coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico lives the insubordinate Daniel, the owner of a small motel. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 All things that are unimpeachably insubordinate. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 No one’s arc is insubordinate; no one’s emotional logic is insignificant. — Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insubordinate

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from French, from in- in- entry 1 + subordination

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insubordinate was circa 1828

Rhymes for insubordinate

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Browse Nearby Words

insubmissive
insubordinate
insubordinately
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insubordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubordinate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insubordinate

adjective
in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯrd-ᵊn-ət How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
-ˈbȯrd-nət
: not obeying authority : disobedient
insubordinately adverb
insubordination
-ˌbȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on insubordinate

Nglish: Translation of insubordinate for Spanish Speakers

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