SUBVERTS Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

subverts

verb

present tense third-person singular of subvert

as in degrades

to lower in character, dignity, or quality by insisting that she pay me for helping her, she subverted my noble desire to do a good deed without reward

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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 subverts The story begins on a train, somewhat subverts the typical strangers-on-a-train narrative in which a chance encounter leads to a love story (that is, the Linklater version rather than the Hitchcock one). —

Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026 The play subverts itself, never allowing an audience to gain a commanding foothill, even at the end when (suffice it to say) the watchers become the watched. —

Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 With Manhunt, Felker-Martin subverts this convention, creating a post-contagion world in which trans women (and men and nonbinary people) not only exist but tell the story themselves across multiple viewpoint characters. —

Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 While most women figure skaters are known to sport pristine buns and dance to very predictable classics and pop songs, Alysa Liu subverts the norm. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 Feb. 2026 Gourault often subverts the extractivist logic of new media technologies and employs open-source investigation in the production of his films. —

Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 The textured outer elevates even the most basic outfits, while the oxblood hue subtly subverts expectations. —

Annie Blackman, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 His ability to play with genre in the most unexpected way shines through in this gripping story which expertly subverts your expectations in the most thrilling and surprising way. —

Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026 The razor-sharp slasher, which leans into and subverts genre tropes, also stars Drew Barrymore, Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, Courtney Cox, Jamie Kennedy and David Arquette, among others. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subverts

Verb

Proteins, which are made up of sequences of amino acids, are more robust than ancient DNA, a fragile molecule that degrades relatively easily.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
For people with diabetes, heat degrades temperature‑sensitive medications and makes blood sugar harder to control.

— Anthony Nicome, STAT, 13 May 2026