subsume

verb

sub·​sume səb-ˈsüm 

subsumed; subsuming

transitive verb

: to include or place within something larger or more comprehensive : encompass as a subordinate or component element

red, green, and yellow are subsumed under the term "color"

subsumable

səb-ˈsü-mə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• carry
• comprehend
• contain
• embrace
• encompass
• entail
• include
• involve
• number
• take in

Examples of subsume in a Sentence

games and team sports are subsumed under the classification of “recreation”

Recent Examples on the Web

However, this seemingly straightforward plot is quickly subsumed by a stream-of-consciousness approach to the narrative, enhanced by an equally ethereal photographic aesthetic. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025

What has subsumed this type of interaction was a wholly different beast. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 11 Feb. 2025

The dominant view in Washington argues for peace through strength, that only clear military superiority can deter China’s ambitions to subsume Taiwan and exert dominance across the Indo-Pacific. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025

Tian Tian’s father, so subsumed by his drug dependency, is a volatile force whose undulating moods command the household. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin subsumere, from Latin sub- + sumere to take up — more at consume

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subsume

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

subsume

verb

sub·​sume səb-ˈsüm 

subsumed; subsuming

: to include or place within something larger or more general

red and green are subsumed under the term "color"