as in to subdue
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
Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 16 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
If, for example, the EU speeds up delivery of ammunition and drones from existing stock and extends a financial lifeline to Kyiv by confiscating the $250 billion worth of frozen Russian assets sitting in its banks, the Kremlin may not achieve its strategic goal of Ukraine’s subjugation.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Verb
However, the 50-day window has been criticized by some European officials and experts, who have asked why Trump is giving additional time to Putin, who has repeatedly stated his desire to subjugate Ukraine.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 16 July 2025
The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
The Jiménezes’ version of the wilderness is a space in which dominant symbols and narratives undergo a process of transformation, even subjugation.
—Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
If, for example, the EU speeds up delivery of ammunition and drones from existing stock and extends a financial lifeline to Kyiv by confiscating the $250 billion worth of frozen Russian assets sitting in its banks, the Kremlin may not achieve its strategic goal of Ukraine’s subjugation.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subjugate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subjugate
Verb
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Faultlessly subdued bespoke tailoring, and his grosgrain lapel broadcasts a certain seniority.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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By contrast, growth in Unilever’s Prestige beauty division was flat as the market remained subdued.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In the early colonial period, publications often contained collections of high-profile personalities’ portraits, starting with the depiction of high-ranking Japanese colonial officials began in 1896, with an illustrated account of the Japanese conquest of the island.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
13 Sep. 2025
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Instead of conquest, the focus was intimacy—feeling the land under your feet, learning animal tracks, listening to the bush itself.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Noun
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Refocusing On Long-Term Results As the marketing pendulum inevitably swings from domination by spreadsheet-wielding geeks to marketing by creative brand-builders, companies will realize that they have been overly focused on short-term results.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The commonality will be the domination of votes from the two teams when the Rookie of the Year nod comes in two months.—
Tim Crowley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Australian rock outfit rises on multiple tallies in the United States this frame and even manages to double up on one tally as a former bestseller performs well again, and the group nearly re-conquers a competitive roster.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Sometimes love conquers all — with the help of modern medicine.—
Viola Kosome,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Just one week after wowing spectators at the US Open with her dominating and inspiring tennis skills, Coco Gauff shifted her razor-sharp focus to her other passion—fashion.—
Paul Chi,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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The strange power of a three-decade-old song dominating summer playlists is no accident.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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Why subject your kids to degeneracy and violence?—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In 2023-24, Jones had a career year for the Mavericks, who were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subjugate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subjugate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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