SUBORDINATION Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

subordination

noun

sə-ˌbȯr-də-ˈnā-shən

Definition of subordination

as in obedience

a bending to the authority or control of another an oligarchy requires subordination by the masses to the will of a tiny elite

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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 subordination Not infrequently, the questions of the past that is never lost and is irreplaceable in western art arise like a fascism, or a subordination to what remains of its dialectic nature, that relies on myth to legitimate fascism’s inseparable relation to beauty. — Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 This back-and-forth struggle to dominate American institutions testifies to their surpassing value and to their insusceptibility to permanent subordination. — Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Lai rejects that position entirely, calling it a path toward subordination to China. — Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 3 Dec. 2025 Instead, officials reinforce colonial subordination while deepening the vulnerability of immigrant communities. — Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subordination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subordination

Noun

Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
One of six K-9s with the sheriff’s office, Koda is trained in narcotics detection, tracking people, article searches and obedience.

— Marissa Yelenik, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of obedience

Noun

Its closest showing came in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai submission ever to reach the 15-title shortlist.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Eiren’s pick now advances to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will winnow submissions from countries around the world down to a shortlist of 15 films before narrowing to five nominees.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of submission

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subordinating

subordination

subpar

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“Subordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subordination. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of subordination

noun

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