SUBORDINATES Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

subordinates 1 of 2

noun

plural of subordinate

as in underlings

one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another subordinates do most of the actual creation of the famous designer's clothing designs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

subordinates

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of subordinate

as in subjects

to bring under one's control by force of arms it is one of the lessons of history that more powerful civilizations often subordinate weaker ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 subordinates

Noun

As the rebels closed in on Damascus on December 7, 2024, Assad reassured his aides and subordinates that victory was near, and then fled in the night on a Russian jet, telling almost no one. —

Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 In 2024, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas left Wasserman Music for WME shortly after a Daily Mail report alleged Wasserman had engaged in inappropriate relationships with multiple female subordinates. —

Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026 Such feuds with subordinates are one of the challenges McFadden faces in his third run for sheriff. —

Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 Merz stressed Europe must strengthen its military, technology, and economy while remaining equal partners — not subordinates — to the United States within NATO. —

Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 Fleming was one of at least nine BPD employees who filed complaints, which boiled down to concerns that Lee engaged in unethical behavior, repeatedly retaliated against subordinates, and behaved unprofessionally while creating a hostile work environment. —

Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026 Quarterbacks who have attained a certain status understandably don’t want to start over as subordinates, be assigned grunt work and wait in line for promotions. —

Dan Pompei, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Many politicians should, but won’t, learn worthwhile lessons about the value of public deference and praise of subordinates who work every day on the front lines. —

Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Yoon and many subordinates face prosecution Within days, law enforcement started investigating Yoon on charges of insurrection. —

NPR, 3 Dec. 2025

Verb

China subordinates the goal of improving foreign populations’ health outcomes to establishing dependency on its medical tech. —

Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026 Disturbing contemporary audiences, the resulting superintelligence subordinates all human individuals — absorbing them as mere neurons in its global cortex. —

Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Gael García Bernal brilliantly subordinates his stardom to Diaz’s discerning camera, disappearing into the role of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who, at the start of the 16th century, navigated a crew to Southeast Asia after convincing the Spanish crown to fund his journey. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordinates

Noun

Perhaps Rose was a decoy wife, so people in the Vault didn’t catch on to whatever mysterious plans Hank and Stephanie had for their underlings.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
If Walden decides to elevate one of her underlings to co-chair of Disney Entertainment, there are several strong contenders from which to choose.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026