as in sabotage
secret efforts to weaken or ruin a political system or government from within
They were arrested on charges of political subversion.
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Recent Examples of subversion
Leaflets, filled with anti-government propaganda, soon emerged as the group’s newest, and boldest, tactic at subversion.
—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
There’s also been a little bit of leaning into it on some ends in entertainment, and an inversion or subversion of it in other ends.
—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
15 May 2026
How would the subversion of November’s election take place?
—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Those who’ve been targeted and their allies view the practice as both a pressure tactic in which reputational sabotage is weaponized, as well as a subversion of the legal process itself.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
There’s also been a little bit of leaning into it on some ends in entertainment, and an inversion or subversion of it in other ends.
—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
15 May 2026
How would the subversion of November’s election take place?
—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Those who’ve been targeted and their allies view the practice as both a pressure tactic in which reputational sabotage is weaponized, as well as a subversion of the legal process itself.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subversion
Noun
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In my opinion, Carl can self-sabotage by amplifying the scale, scope and landscape of what had been negotiated, accordingly placing himself and his counterparties at odds.
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In the case of massive grid sabotage, AI could compound the chaos and lead to a starvation of city-dwellers unthinkable in modern times.
Noun
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The pair took a big swing in 2022 around the first anniversary of the Capitol insurrection on January 6.
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The violence, described as a failed insurrection by President Cyril Ramaphosa, vandalized more than 160 shopping malls, led to tens of thousands of job losses, and cost the economy roughly $3 billion.
Noun
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What constitutes treason is emerging as an early theme of House of the Dragon’s third season.
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His attorney, Erias Lukwago, was taken from his house and later charged with an offense related to the concealment of treason.
Noun
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Amid a rebellion over the SAVE Act, Johnson lost control of the House floor for a second time this week, sending lawmakers home early for the July Fourth recess.
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These battles have completely receded from the American imagination, even though, in some ways, the American rebellion was a sideshow to a far greater imperial drama.
Noun
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Chevron benefits from unrest in the Middle East and other factors that can elevate energy prices.
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Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest.
Noun
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This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection.
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Peacock’s adventures in treachery The Traitors was the top dog, scoring five prizes including Best Competition Series and Best Host for Alan Cumming.
Cite this Entry
“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subversion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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