SUBORDINATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

subordination

noun

sə-ˌbȯr-də-ˈnā-shən

Definition of subordination

as in obedience

a bending to the authority or control of another an oligarchy requires subordination by the masses to the will of a tiny elite

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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 subordination More subtly, the subordination of property rights reflected in the empty homes tax measure could spread. — Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 Not infrequently, the questions of the past that is never lost and is irreplaceable in western art arise like a fascism, or a subordination to what remains of its dialectic nature, that relies on myth to legitimate fascism’s inseparable relation to beauty. — Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 This back-and-forth struggle to dominate American institutions testifies to their surpassing value and to their insusceptibility to permanent subordination. — Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Lai rejects that position entirely, calling it a path toward subordination to China. — Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subordination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordination

Noun

As its civil lawsuits foundered, the Justice Department reached for another weapon to compel obedience from state election officers.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
My abuser understood the power of words, and used them to dictate the terms of my obedience.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of obedience

Noun

Its inventory depends on what sellers send in—making the timing of those submissions particularly relevant ahead of the holidays.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Ishizaka has programmed Asian cinema at the festival since 2007, when most submissions were still shot on film.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of submission

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subordinating

subordination

subpar

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“Subordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordination. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subordination

noun

Example Sentences

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