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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb subdue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subdue are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than subdue?

While the synonyms conquer and subdue are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How do defeat and vanquish relate to one another, in the sense of subdue?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When can overcome be used instead of subdue?

The words overcome and subdue are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Where would overthrow be a reasonable alternative to subdue?

Although the words overthrow and subdue have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

In what contexts can reduce take the place of subdue?

While in some cases nearly identical to subdue, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When would vanquish be a good substitute for subdue?

The words vanquish and subdue can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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 subdue As a whole, the curation is subdued and nuanced, with a range of whites and neutrals, soft pastels, and deep, moody hues that command attention. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2025 But on a recent rainy Wednesday night, the mood inside Monsieur was surprisingly subdued. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 Of course, producers themselves can decide on their approach in the cellar, so not every Chianti Classico from Castellina is subdued, just as every example from Panzano is not powerful. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The clean, modern lines, subdued colors, abundant natural light, and open floor plan all checked out. Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subdue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subdue
Verb
  • Republicans will need Democratic support to overcome a 60-vote threshold to be able to pass the bill in the Senate.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Prior court decisions and guidance from the Department of Justice have set up hurdles to overcome before the court is forced to overpass a reporter’s privilege to protect sources.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The memory unit sits close to a CPU or GPU, to conquer latency and provide high bandwidth with low power consumption.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Strawberry Lemonade Any cook can conquer these fresh, celebratory recipes.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Anti-Diversity Policies: The U.S. State Department is seeking to quell a diplomatic tempest roiling Europe after several American Embassies sent letters to foreign contractors instructing them to certify their compliance with Trump’s policies aimed at unraveling diversity programs.
    Victoria Kim, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Rubio sought to quell anxieties among his European counterparts as Trump’s tariffs take effect, the president mulls withdrawing from NATO altogether and U.S. support for Ukraine hangs in the balance.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In his first defense of the IBF crown, Ennis defeated David Avanesyan when the fight was halted before the start of the sixth round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While their presence pushes younger competitors to work even harder for wins, bigger racing teams just have elite equipment that can easily allow one car to dominate, the owner explained on the Dale Jr. Download podcast.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2025
  • His interest in witchcraft came to dominate his later writing.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The players argue the defendants have suppressed players’ earnings and other professional opportunities.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • By suppressing the body's production of certain hormones, Lupron can pause the physical changes associated with puberty until a more appropriate age.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, a new study adds basic geometry to the list of subjects these brainy birds seem to be able to master.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Any club would naturally be eager to sign a player who has mastered the most fundamental skill required to excel as a striker.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But the administration hasn’t yet subjected any other state to Maine-level scrutiny.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Vietnam’s $123 billion trade surplus with the United States—the second highest in Asia after China and the highest in Southeast Asia—has subjected it to high tariffs.
    Lynn Kuok, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subdue. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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