adjective
Uncommon
subversive
suhb-VUR-sihv
Subversive (adjective) means Intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority. Example: “The satirical cartoons were seen as subversive by the government.”
adjective
1
Intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority.
"The satirical cartoons were seen as subversive by the government."
noun
1
A person who works to undermine or overthrow an established order.
"The secret police kept files on suspected subversives."
How to use subversive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking to quietly undermine or overturn something in power, often through ideas rather than force.
Common pairings
subversive humor
subversive activity
politically subversive
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Word forms
- Plural
- subversives
- Comparative
- more subversive
- Superlative
- most subversive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The satirical cartoons were seen as _____ by the government.
Etymology
From subvert plus the adjective suffix -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for subversive
See all rhymes for subversive →Frequently asked questions
What does “subversive” mean?
The word “subversive” means intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority. In plain terms, working to quietly undermine or overturn something in power, often through ideas rather than force.
How do you pronounce “subversive”?
“Subversive” is pronounced suhb-VUR-sihv (/səbˈvɝsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “subversive” in a sentence?
Here is “subversive” used in a sentence: “The satirical cartoons were seen as subversive by the government.”
What is another word for “subversive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “subversive” include revolutionist, revolutionary and subverter.
What part of speech is “subversive”?
Depending on how it is used, “subversive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “subversive” a common word?
“Subversive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “subversive” have?
“Subversive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: intended to undermine or overthrow an established system or authority.
