subservience

noun

sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s How to pronounce subservience (audio)
Synonyms of subserviencenext
1
: a subservient or subordinate place or function
2
: obsequious servility

Examples of subservience in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ray is the leader of a biker gang and demands utter subservience. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 These young ladies are primed for a life of modesty and subservience to their husbands and the future fathers of their children. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 June 2026 How does party capture — the subservience of entire systems — factor into this? — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025 In recent days, another leak—of a call between Orbán and Vladimir Putin—has been held up as evidence of the former’s subservience. — Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subservience

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subservience was circa 1676

Browse Nearby Words

subserviate
subservience
subserviency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

subservience

noun
sub·​ser·​vi·​ence səb-ˈsər-vē-ən(t)s How to pronounce subservience (audio)
1
: a subordinate place or function
2
: obedience befitting one of a menial position

More from Merriam-Webster on subservience

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