1
as in to overcome
to achieve a victory over
subdued her fear of the dark by joining a club for spelunkers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dominate
to bring under one's control by force of arms
subdued the rebels and sent their leaders to the gallows
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to quell
to put a stop to (something) by the use of force
labored through the night to subdue the river's rising waters by building a wall of sandbags around their property
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subdue
Officers subdued him with a stun gun and took him into custody.
—
Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The 48-year-old father of three Marines was working a landscaping job when he was approached – before officers subdued Barranco and punched him multiple times in the back of the head, footage shows Barranco running while holding a weedwacker.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
Many of these women, though seemingly silent or subdued, speak volumes through their emotions and inner turmoil.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
The overall market reaction to the attacks between the longtime regional foes has, admittedly, been fairly subdued since the strikes began late Thursday local time in New York.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subdue
Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The 48-year-old father of three Marines was working a landscaping job when he was approached – before officers subdued Barranco and punched him multiple times in the back of the head, footage shows Barranco running while holding a weedwacker.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
Many of these women, though seemingly silent or subdued, speak volumes through their emotions and inner turmoil.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
The overall market reaction to the attacks between the longtime regional foes has, admittedly, been fairly subdued since the strikes began late Thursday local time in New York.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subdue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subdue
Verb
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There can be ways to overcome the objections of the people who are concerned that new technology will make their jobs obsolete.—
Edward Segal,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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Meanwhile, a college in the U.K. has now stepped up and started offering classes on making and taking phone calls to help Gen Z overcome this fear.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Iga Świątek dominated American Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon women’s final, winning in straight sets 6-0, 6-0 on Saturday.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
12 July 2025
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Sure, the former No. 3 pick in the draft should dominate summer league action against players, the majority of which will either end up in the G League or overseas.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
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One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
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The community town hall did little to quell resident's concerns.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The Italian became the first man or woman from her country to defeat a top-3 seed at Wimbledon since the Open Era began in 1968.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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The Vikings defeated the Browns, 33-16, in 2017 at Twickenham Stadium.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Apparently, love can conquer not only death but also slapstick action comedies about little kids brutalizing burglars.—
Drew Mackie,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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For me, that meant a heavy dose of meditation (including a silk hammock sound bath), a class about conquering fear, an introduction to wheel pottery, and several workout classes, leaving plenty of time for treatments and relaxation at the Life in Balance Spa.—
Elizabeth Rhodes,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
Verb
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That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
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The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Rather than trying to master multiple AI platforms, teachers can start with one tool and thoroughly explore its capabilities.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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After a spa treatment or a dip in the ocean, guests can learn how to string fragrant plumeria leis or master the art of hula in open-air pavilions.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Other top foreign suppliers of appliances to the US, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, received letters from Trump subjecting their exports to the US to tariffs as high as 36% instead of the current 10%, as of next month.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
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In moving on from Tucker and not subjecting a rookie to a kicking competition with a potential Hall of Famer, the Ravens softened an already volatile situation.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subdue. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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