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

Xi’s last remaining subordinate on the Central Military Commission is a career political officer with limited operational experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

But Ricardo Monreal, parliamentary leader for the ruling Morena party, rejected the idea that Washington could make Mexico a "subordinate".

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

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

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

Suitcase had no reply, and the lieutenant did something I have rarely seen a superior officer do: he chastised his subordinate in the presence of prisoners.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

subordinate

Example Sentences

Related Words