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

Data from the missions are expected to help establish the testing and documentation needed for future regulatory submissions.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Building on this recognition, the winner of the Busan Award – Best Film, the top prize in BIFF’s Competition section, now qualifies for submission to the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of subordination

noun

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