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Showing results for subordinate.
Definitions

subordinate

[suh-bawr-dn-it, suh-bawr-dn-eyt] / səˈbɔr dn ɪt, səˈbɔr dnˌeɪt /
ADJECTIVE
lesser, supplementary
Synonyms
STRONG
accessory adjuvant auxiliary collateral dependent inferior junior low lower minor satellite secondary sub subaltern subject subnormal subsidiary tributary
WEAK
ancillary baser below par contributory insignificant paltry second-fiddle second-string smaller subalternate submissive subservient substract under underaverage unequal
Antonyms
STRONG
chief first-class first-rate important main primary source strong superior
WEAK
major necessary vital
NOUN
person that serves another
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aide assistant deputy servant underling
STRONG
attendant dependent flunky gofer helper inferior junior peon scrub second serf slave subaltern
WEAK
poor relation second fiddle second string third string
Antonyms
WEAK
boss chief leader major manager master superior

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.

Mehringer’s case dates back to April 27, 2018, when she and her subordinate, Sgt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

With the aid of Sara Gettelfinger’s choreography, the five subordinate characters jelled as an ensemble, supplying ambience and making up for the missing chorus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Trump visited the construction site, theatrically inspecting it like a mob boss checking on a wayward subordinate.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

"Uganda has been ready for a civilian leader since time immemorial," he insists, adding that according to Uganda's constitution, the military must be subordinate to the civilian authority.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Rather, the sexes were assigned to two separate social domains, neither subordinate to the other.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.