subscribe

Definition of subscribenext
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 To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 To get it in your inbox, subscribe here. Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Give episode 1 a listen above, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform of choice, and enjoy. Joel Feder, The Drive, 28 Jan. 2026 To subscribe sign up for Sound Off to get a weekly roundup of our columns, editorials and more. Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subscribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subscribe
Verb
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the length of a stopgap bill depends on what Democrats agree to.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now, though, Geeslin and other prominent members of the local Deaf community are concerned that a new master’s program at Butler University will result in fewer deaf kids learning to sign.
    Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Local leaders in Maryland also signed bills banning private detention centers.
    Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Petro finally assented, after several former Colombian Presidents offered to help smooth things over, and the relationship calmed down.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Key to the proposal, which is similar to one former President Joe Biden made more than a year ago, is Hamas assenting both to be disarmed and removed from governing Gaza.
    Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subscribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subscribe. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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