SUBDUE Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

subdue

verb

səb-ˈdü

Definition of subdue next

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

as in to conquer

to bring under one's control by force of arms subdued the rebels and sent their leaders to the gallows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Perhaps Acer took the media’s criticism to heart, because the design language of the newly unveiled Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11 is more subdued. —

Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Several bystanders intervened, subduing the man until police arrived on the scene. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 The stock was subdued through the first half as elevated borrowing costs weighed on big-ticket home improvement projects. —

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 The ceremony, traditionally celebratory, was subdued as protesters gathered outside the Capitol in San Juan. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for subdue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subdue

Verb

Making the playoffs and maybe even surprising in them would be Miami’s greatest statement of resolve and flex of Heat Culture — to have overcome the capital-D distraction and drama that might have detonated this season.

— Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
The Chiefs couldn’t overcome losses to tight end Travis Kelce, who left the game at the end of the second quarter with a concussion, and defensive lineman Chris Jones, who left the game on the first drive of the third quarter with a knee injury.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2025