subordinating

verb

Definition of subordinatingnext
present participle of subordinate
as in subjecting
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of subordinating The general idea predated Wilson, but his willingness to use it in service of that abhorrent compromise—subordinating the dignity and equality of individual people to the importance of the American union—showed that his commitment to popular sovereignty had its limits. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 Although China is eager to use BRICS as a platform to expand its influence and advertise its governance model, other members remain wary of subordinating their interests to Beijing’s ambitions. — Oliver Stuenkel, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025 The film was reviewed favorably and did well, but its prime legacy is the firing and replacement of Stroheim, which Hollywood insiders instantly understood as the moment that definitively solidified the studio system, subordinating directors to producers’ commercial demands and industrial methods. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026 The reorganization also gives the White House and the Department of Homeland Security new authority to oversee transnational crime investigations, subordinating the DEA and federal prosecutors, who were central to the previous system. — Tim Golden, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinating
  1. subjecting
  2. conquering
  3. subduing
  4. dominating
  5. defeating
Verb
  • Theology studies programs are among the biggest to shift from professional to non-professional degrees in the shuffle, subjecting theology students to a lower student loan limit.
    — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Theology studies programs are among the biggest to shift from professional to non-professional degrees in the shuffle, subjecting theology students to a lower student loan limit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of subjecting
Verb
  • After not allowing any home runs in back-to-back starts against the Colorado Rockies, even conquering Coors Field’s hitter-friendly park, Imanaga surrendered three in Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the New York Mets.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • Olivia Rodrigo Finally Hits the Downloads Chart’s Summit Rodrigo has come very close to conquering the Official Album Downloads chart in the past, but her first two studio LPs missed the throne by just one space.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of conquering
Verb
  • Viewers have already seen glimpses of the premiere, which involves Aang and Katara subduing a sea serpent while guiding refugees across a treacherous path.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
  • Officers then shot her with a Taser, subduing her enough to take her into custody, police said.
    — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Definition of subduing
Verb
  • In just his seventh career start, Bennett (3-3) struck out six with no walks while dominating the last-place Angels until the their two-run eighth.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Spain finally got on the board after dominating possession and chances thus far.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of dominating
Verb
  • The girls posted a 6-2 record at the state tournament in a field of 50 of Southern California’s top 12U teams with several extra-inning and walk-off wins, defeating multiple district champions, including San Juan Capistrano and Oxnard.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
  • Another democratic socialist, 29-year-old Melat Kiros, won a congressional primary in Colorado on June 30, defeating a longtime Democratic incumbent.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of defeating

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Cite this Entry

“Subordinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordinating. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subordinating

Nglish: Translation of subordinating for Spanish Speakers

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