subversion
noun
Did you know?
Subversion is literally the "turning over" of something. In the 1950s and '60s, many people worried about communist subversion of the U.S. government, though they often saw subversive activities where none existed. Nondemocratic governments often claim that anyone who disagrees with them or joins a demonstration is a subversive. But subversion isn't always quite so serious a matter; when words like weekend, sandwich, job, *and *camping started being used by the French, for example, some of them began claiming that America was subverting their language.
Examples of subversion in a Sentence
Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
But Colbert, on both of these nights, displayed a kind of sly subversion that can only be achieved under the odd dual circumstances of his antiquated form—having both the constraints of a boss and the freedom of frequent live broadcasting.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Bubbling beneath the surface was a current of political subversion, led by Willy Chavarria, who was named favorite collection, best format and breakout talent by several buyers.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
An important aspect of the kinship between Irish and Black American culture is the spirit of subversion and play that arises because of this simultaneous dependence and antagonism.
—Benjamin Hale
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subversion
Cite this Entry
“Subversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subversion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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