subscribe

1
as in to agree
to give or express one's approval (as to a proposal) promised that as president he would never subscribe to the use of torture as an interrogation method, regardless of the circumstances

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to sign
to write one's name on (as a document) they dutifully subscribed several dozen forms at the mortgage closing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word subscribe distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of subscribe are accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, and consent. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

When might accede be a better fit than subscribe?

In some situations, the words accede and subscribe are roughly equivalent. However, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

In what contexts can acquiesce take the place of subscribe?

Although the words acquiesce and subscribe have much in common, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Where would agree be a reasonable alternative to subscribe?

The meanings of agree and subscribe largely overlap; however, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When is it sensible to use assent instead of subscribe?

While the synonyms assent and subscribe are close in meaning, assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When would consent be a good substitute for subscribe?

The synonyms consent and subscribe are sometimes interchangeable, but consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

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 subscribe For Netflix, better search capabilities could keep users engaged with the platform more, which is important for appealing to advertisers and keeping viewers subscribed. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025 Those who need help or more information can call 888-357-7827 and give offer code W-N2 to subscribe. Eric Larsen, IndyStar, 17 July 2025 For more on Gwyneth Paltrow, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here. Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025 If this newsletter isn't already getting conveniently delivered to your inbox, click here to subscribe. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subscribe
Verb
  • On top of settling on a rate increase lower than originally planned, the MSD board agreed to postpone the original effective date of Aug. 1 by one month.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • Coming from a theater background, Povenmire and Marsh agreed that experiencing fan reaction is their favorite part about attending the convention.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Residents can sign a pledge to participate in the Lights Out Louisville program, which calls for business and homeowners to cut down on artificial light usage at night, while also drawing shades, curtains and blinds after dark to help prevent bird strikes.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
  • Brown County in April signed a $90,000 federal contract to house federal detainees at a rate of $70 per person per day — up to $63,000 — and $27 per hour for transportation and guards — up to $27,000.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • But even those who assent to most of his criticisms might balk at following Anderson to his final destination, which is to bluntly deny India much of a future in the modern world.
    Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013
  • The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Seth P. Waxman, a solicitor general for the Clinton administration, initially refused, but eventually assented after further criticism from Judge Reyes.
    Chris Cameron, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subscribe. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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