subvert

1 of 2

verb

sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
subverted; subverting; subverts
Synonyms of subvert

transitive verb

1
: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation : ruin
2
: to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith
subverter noun

subverter

2 of 2

noun

sub·​vert·​er
|tə(r), 
|tə-
plural -s
: one that subverts

Synonyms of subvert

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of subvert in a Sentence

Verb They conspired to subvert the government. trying to subvert the electoral process
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
David Radcliff’s work crosses genres and formats, but his favorite projects are those that broaden understanding and empathy through humor and subverted expectations. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 Similar to modern innuendo, phallic imagery was sometimes used to subvert taboos and humorously challenge norms. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 The ten 8-10’ stand-alone episodes use cerebral, high-concept horror to tell stories about African women who triumph, overcome and subvert in surprising ways. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 According to tax authorities, by inappropriately avoiding gains, investors are subverting the intention of the rules. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subvert

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French subvertir, from Latin subvertere, literally, to turn from beneath, from sub- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subvert was in the 14th century

Rhymes for subvert

See All Rhymes for subvert

Browse Nearby Words

subversivism
subvert
subverter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subvert. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

subvert

verb
sub·​vert səb-ˈvərt How to pronounce subvert (audio)
1
: to overturn or overthrow from the foundation
2
: to undermine the morals, allegiance, or faith of : corrupt
subverter noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All