as in to conquer
to bring under one's control by force of arms
explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in conquest
the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control
the subjugation of much of Europe by Napoléon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subjugate
Armond White, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025
The need to subjugate or put you in a beta role becomes overwhelming.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
For generations, Black hair has been subjugated, limited, and stripped of choice.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
In his first term, President Donald Trump initially promised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a free hand to subjugate the Kurdish region of northern Syria before reversing his decision and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Kurdish autonomy.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for subjugate 
Verb
This Better-Than List calls out those films and filmmakers who triumphed, defeating those who subjugated moviegoers to fear, bias, and ignorance.
—Armond White, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025
The need to subjugate or put you in a beta role becomes overwhelming.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
For generations, Black hair has been subjugated, limited, and stripped of choice.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
In his first term, President Donald Trump initially promised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a free hand to subjugate the Kurdish region of northern Syria before reversing his decision and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Kurdish autonomy.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
Verb
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But behind all the drama, The Notebook remains an incredibly romantic story about love conquering all — time, illness, and especially stubborn personalities.—
Janey Tracey,
EW.com,
7 Feb. 2025
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The story of Dieter that so cracks up Helena could also be interpreted as something about the pointlessness of trying to coexist with nature, when man is meant to conquer it.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Hieronimus said the conquests driving the group’s next chapter will be fueled by L’Oréal’s own science.—
Jennifer Weil,
WWD,
7 Feb. 2025
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The path toward world conquest begins with unlocking the Political Theory Civic and then joining one of the three available Ideologies — Democracy, Fascism, or Communism.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harissa, a hot chili pepper paste, is subdued by a zesty orange flavor.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
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Swift subdued Beauty brands aren’t making as many appearances at this year’s Super Bowl, despite Taylor Swift likely making another appearance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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All of humanity originates from Africa; everything beyond that point is a story of migration, conflict, and domination.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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The diss record symbolizes utter domination in hip-hop.—
Clover Hope,
Pitchfork,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For years, the conversation around sustainability has been dominated by a singular focus: going green.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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New Town dominated a clash of two of Baltimore County's top teams with a smothering defense that made life rough on Dulaney.—
James Peters,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As outlined above, these e-bike users subjected the batteries to abuses, increasing the risk of fire.—
John Orlando,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2025
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Landlords complained that would force them to enroll in a voluntary federal program, which would subject them to unwanted red tape.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In response, Israel has resolved that Hamas and other extremist factions must be not just deterred but decisively defeated.—
Jane Harman,
TIME,
9 Feb. 2025
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Elsewhere in the league, Jimmy Butler made his Golden State Warriors debut, scoring 25 points to help his new team erase a 24-point third quarter deficit to defeat one of his former teams, the Chicago Bulls, 132-111.—
Issy Ronald and Jacob Lev,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near subjugate
Cite this Entry
“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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