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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb subdue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subdue are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than subdue?

While the synonyms conquer and subdue are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How do defeat and vanquish relate to one another, in the sense of subdue?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When can overcome be used instead of subdue?

The words overcome and subdue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Where would overthrow be a reasonable alternative to subdue?

Although the words overthrow and subdue have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

In what contexts can reduce take the place of subdue?

While in some cases nearly identical to subdue, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When would vanquish be a good substitute for subdue?

The words vanquish and subdue can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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 subdue It was subdued as celebrations go. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 Officers used tasers to subdue and disarm him. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025 In a conference room inside the New York Stock Exchange, however, no champagne corks were popping and the mood was decidedly subdued despite the pomp of ringing of the closing bell. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025 Crew members and passengers, in the absence of secondary cockpit barriers, have subdued unruly passengers and attempts to storm the cockpit. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subdue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subdue
Verb
  • The researchers spent years overcoming these issues before finding a condition that worked consistently.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Mandatory reporting aims to overcome the many reasons people might otherwise stay silent such as fear of retaliation, reluctance to damage relationships, or simple unwillingness to get involved.
    Nina A. Kohn, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For many on the Right, Carr is a welcome protector of conservative views on broadcast networks that Republicans say have long been dominated by liberal positions.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The question now, which has dominated all public debate in Lebanon, is how the Lebanese army will actually disarm Hezbollah.
    Bilal Y. Saab, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Five people died and 140 police officers were injured before the insurrection was quelled.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In its way, this was a high occasion of state, an opportunity for the government to make a display of its brisk, sober ability to act, and to quell the unrest that this horrific and very public murder had aroused.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers went on to defeat the Giants by the score of 6-3 giving Kershaw a no-decision while clinching a postseason berth.
    Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Cam Macgregor tossed two touchdown passes and ran for a score, while Mason Alger ran for two touchdowns as Bellingham defeated Westwood 34-12 in the Tri-Valley League.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger conquered DWTS season 10 with Derek Hough, and she's been unstoppable ever since.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
  • But the filming may have started way before the Eras Tour conquered the globe.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The upconversion process also suppressed noise, which made the setup effective even under very dim light.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Critics of the visas, including many American technology workers, argue companies use H-1B visa workers to suppress wages and pass over Americans for jobs.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even professional translators in Shanghai and New York are scrambling to master new AI models to safeguard their jobs.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The star recalled his early days, from performing with Michael Jackson and being friends with Alfonso, before learning how to master his Tango routine.
    Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By implementing rigorous controls and subjecting them to human scrutiny, companies can guide this powerful technology toward valuable outcomes while mitigating risk factors.
    Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Why subject your kids to degeneracy and violence?
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subdue. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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