Definitions

subdue

[suhb-doo, -dyoo] / səbˈdu, -ˈdyu /

VERB

keep under control; moderate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conquer crush extinguish humble overcome overpower quell repress restrain suppress tame temper

STRONG

break check control defeat discipline dominate drop gentle mellow overrun quash quench quiet quieten reduce soften squelch subjugate trample vanquish

WEAK

bear down beat down break in get the better of get the upper hand get under control put down shut down tone down triumph over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate agitate build up encourage let go lose praise release surrender yield

STRONG

aid allow assist give up help liberate permit start strengthen

WEAK

arouse incite rouse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Assassination attempts can also warp how journalists cover a president’s opposition, and subdue how that opposition behaves.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

The land wasn’t empty, and Native American tribes fought fiercely to defend it in alliance with the British, leading Washington to dispatch multiple punitive expeditions to subdue them and exert American control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Rattlesnakes would rather save their venom to subdue their prey, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

A reporting rule change won’t counteract or subdue these demands.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

They walked three times around the lake, trying all the way to think of a simple spell that would subdue a dragon.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing subdue

Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)

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100 SAT words Beginning with "S"

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"Common Sense," Vocabulary from the pamphlet

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