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Showing results for subordinate. Search instead for subordinierter.
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.

Prasad took the unusual step of signing the letter to the company himself, rather than a subordinate directly overseeing vaccine applications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 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

She says she was then demoted to a subordinate role on a big internal project supporting the other senior manager her report had implicated.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

“There he goes again, you see!” cried Wemmick, “I told you so! Asks another question of the subordinate before his first is dry! Well, supposing Mr. Pip is one of them?”

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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