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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.

The military is subordinate to its civilian commander in chief, and as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he has no direct command of battlefield forces.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

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

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

“They don’t mind what they ask of me, the subordinate; but you’ll never catch ’em asking any questions of my principal.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Vocabulary lists containing subordinate

List 1

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Latin Root "sub" Words

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ASVAB Word Knowledge

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