Subversive
adjective
Intended to overthrow or undermine an established system or institution.
The government viewed the protest as a subversive act.
Often appears as...
- subversive activity
- subversive element
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
noun
A person who is trying to overthrow or undermine a system or institution.
He was labeled as a subversive because of his criticism against the government.
Often appears as...
- labeled as a subversive
- suspected subversive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
adjective
Intended to overthrow or undermine an established system or institution.
The government viewed the protest as a subversive act.
Often appears as...
- subversive activity
- subversive element
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
noun
A person who is trying to overthrow or undermine a system or institution.
He was labeled as a subversive because of his criticism against the government.
Often appears as...
- labeled as a subversive
- suspected subversive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Political Nuance
Often used in political contexts to describe actions or ideas challenging the status quo.
His new book presents subversive thoughts that challenge the mainstream political narrative.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually carries a negative tone, especially when used by authorities.
The leader condemned the subversive propaganda disrupting public opinion.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Rebellion
Can describe art or media challenging societal norms, not just politics.
The film was banned for its subversive depiction of the nation's history.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Nuance
Often used in political contexts to describe actions or ideas challenging the status quo.
His new book presents subversive thoughts that challenge the mainstream political narrative.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually carries a negative tone, especially when used by authorities.
The leader condemned the subversive propaganda disrupting public opinion.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Rebellion
Can describe art or media challenging societal norms, not just politics.
The film was banned for its subversive depiction of the nation's history.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Nuance
Often used in political contexts to describe actions or ideas challenging the status quo.
His new book presents subversive thoughts that challenge the mainstream political narrative.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually carries a negative tone, especially when used by authorities.
The leader condemned the subversive propaganda disrupting public opinion.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Rebellion
Can describe art or media challenging societal norms, not just politics.
The film was banned for its subversive depiction of the nation's history.
Compare with
dissentinsurgenceinsurrectionarymutinousradicalisationrebelliousrevolutionaryseditious
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Video examples
Raspberry Pi: engaging...
it was an organic process that started with people buying computers maybe not to play games on so this is something which is designed to be fun for kids but also just to have that kind of subversive temptation to start doing a little bit more than just because the idea is if you get this into the hands of millions of kids you can actually
Video examples
Empathy Is Not...
was to shut down opposing viewpoints through epically worded video essays and comments and posts, but I soon learned those were only cheered on by the people who already agreed with me. Sometimes -- bless you. Sometimes, the most subversive thing you could do -- yeah, clap for him.
Video examples
What is abstract...
though he developed a signature technique and never looked for images or messages hidden in the works. First, he took the canvas off of the easel and laid it on the floor, a subversive act in itself. Then, in a controlled dance, he stepped all around the canvas,
Video examples
This tool will help...
Historians believe he was deeply critical of Athens’ particular brand of democracy, and known to pass those concerns onto his followers. These subversive beliefs were distorted in public forums and thought to have inspired two of his pupils to treasonous ends.
Video examples
Does "The Wonderful...
Together, they travel along a golden yellow road towards a grand city whose ruler's power turns out to be built on illusions. Littlefield published some of these observations in an essay. His claim that this fantasy was actually a subversive critique
Video examples
David Birch: A new way...
you can only think of identity in terms of cards with names on. And that's very subversive in a modern world. So the second example I thought I'd use is chat rooms. I'm very proud of that picture. That's my son playing in his band with his friends
Video examples
The secrets of Mozart’s...
Though it may seem like a childish fairytale, this intricate opera is full of subversive symbolism, and it's now regarded as one of the most influential operas in history. Tamino's run in with the dragon is only the start of his journey.
Video examples
How to fool a GPS - Todd...
it turns out for purposes of protecting your privacy at the expense of general GPS reliability there's something even more potent and more subversive than a wave bubble and that is a GPS spoofer
Video examples
The history of...
It was about keeping cultural traditions alive and retaining a sense of inner freedom under captivity. It was the same subversive spirit that created this the Cakewalk,
Video examples
What "Orwellian" really...
where one may be found guilty of thoughtcrime by talking in their sleep, and keeping a diary or having a love affair equals a subversive act of rebellion.
Video examples
Raspberry Pi: engaging...
it was an organic process that started with people buying computers maybe not to play games on so this is something which is designed to be fun for kids but also just to have that kind of subversive temptation to start doing a little bit more than just because the idea is if you get this into the hands of millions of kids you can actually
Video examples
Empathy Is Not...
was to shut down opposing viewpoints through epically worded video essays and comments and posts, but I soon learned those were only cheered on by the people who already agreed with me. Sometimes -- bless you. Sometimes, the most subversive thing you could do -- yeah, clap for him.
Video examples
What is abstract...
though he developed a signature technique and never looked for images or messages hidden in the works. First, he took the canvas off of the easel and laid it on the floor, a subversive act in itself. Then, in a controlled dance, he stepped all around the canvas,
Video examples
This tool will help...
Historians believe he was deeply critical of Athens’ particular brand of democracy, and known to pass those concerns onto his followers. These subversive beliefs were distorted in public forums and thought to have inspired two of his pupils to treasonous ends.
Video examples
Does "The Wonderful...
Together, they travel along a golden yellow road towards a grand city whose ruler's power turns out to be built on illusions. Littlefield published some of these observations in an essay. His claim that this fantasy was actually a subversive critique
Video examples
David Birch: A new way...
you can only think of identity in terms of cards with names on. And that's very subversive in a modern world. So the second example I thought I'd use is chat rooms. I'm very proud of that picture. That's my son playing in his band with his friends
Video examples
The secrets of Mozart’s...
Though it may seem like a childish fairytale, this intricate opera is full of subversive symbolism, and it's now regarded as one of the most influential operas in history. Tamino's run in with the dragon is only the start of his journey.
Video examples
How to fool a GPS - Todd...
it turns out for purposes of protecting your privacy at the expense of general GPS reliability there's something even more potent and more subversive than a wave bubble and that is a GPS spoofer
Video examples
The history of...
It was about keeping cultural traditions alive and retaining a sense of inner freedom under captivity. It was the same subversive spirit that created this the Cakewalk,
Video examples
What "Orwellian" really...
where one may be found guilty of thoughtcrime by talking in their sleep, and keeping a diary or having a love affair equals a subversive act of rebellion.
Example 1 of 10
Quote examples
Stephen Kinzer
American Author
Revolutionaries who come to power by force of arms usually have great crimes in their background. Leaders who survive campaigns by great powers to destroy them do not survive because they observe the niceties of law. Subversives who shape world events by covert action and violence work in shadows and detest the light of day.
Quote examples
Beeban Kidron
English Director
Everything serious in the world is well approached by humour. It's a powerful and often quite subversive tool. I suppose there is an argument that could be made against me for being frivolous, but I do think a laugh is a very generous thing to give.
Quote examples
Raoul Vaneigem
Belgian Philosopher
People who talk about revolution and class struggle without referring explicitly to everyday life, without understanding what is subversive about love and what is positive in the refusal of constraints, such people have a corpse in their mouth.
Quote examples
Leila Slimani
French Writer
Everyone asks me, 'Why do you choose such subversive or shocking themes?' but when I'm alone in my office, I'm not like, 'OK I'm going to shock.' I want to write about a character who fascinates me, someone who I don't understand.
Quote examples
Lauren Groff
American Novelist
Among so many things, 'Time Passes' has shown me subversive ways of portraying time, of looking away from the human to the far more terrifying, far more immense texture of time beneath the minute span of a human life.
Quote examples
Will Oldham
American Musician
I have more respect for somebody who points at his ideal - in this case, the ideal of the pirate - and then becomes something that's more radical, more exciting, more subversive than a pirate could ever be.
Quote examples
Toby Stephens
English Actor
That's the privilege of being a grandparent - they can indulge the children while parents have to be the bad guy. Grandparents can also be subversive and naughty with them.
Quote examples
Richard Linklater
American Director
I like films that just put you in someone's world. It can be very subversive. Hitchcock would put you in the mind of a psychopath, and you'd care about them.
Quote examples
Alex Garland
British Novelist
The Beach' novel, in my mind, was, in some respects, subversive.
Quote examples
Tahar Rahim
French Actor
What is art? Art talks about life; it's subversive.
Quote examples
Stephen Kinzer
American Author
Revolutionaries who come to power by force of arms usually have great crimes in their background. Leaders who survive campaigns by great powers to destroy them do not survive because they observe the niceties of law. Subversives who shape world events by covert action and violence work in shadows and detest the light of day.
Quote examples
Beeban Kidron
English Director
Everything serious in the world is well approached by humour. It's a powerful and often quite subversive tool. I suppose there is an argument that could be made against me for being frivolous, but I do think a laugh is a very generous thing to give.
Quote examples
Raoul Vaneigem
Belgian Philosopher
People who talk about revolution and class struggle without referring explicitly to everyday life, without understanding what is subversive about love and what is positive in the refusal of constraints, such people have a corpse in their mouth.
Quote examples
Leila Slimani
French Writer
Everyone asks me, 'Why do you choose such subversive or shocking themes?' but when I'm alone in my office, I'm not like, 'OK I'm going to shock.' I want to write about a character who fascinates me, someone who I don't understand.
Quote examples
Lauren Groff
American Novelist
Among so many things, 'Time Passes' has shown me subversive ways of portraying time, of looking away from the human to the far more terrifying, far more immense texture of time beneath the minute span of a human life.
Quote examples
Will Oldham
American Musician
I have more respect for somebody who points at his ideal - in this case, the ideal of the pirate - and then becomes something that's more radical, more exciting, more subversive than a pirate could ever be.
Quote examples
Toby Stephens
English Actor
That's the privilege of being a grandparent - they can indulge the children while parents have to be the bad guy. Grandparents can also be subversive and naughty with them.
Quote examples
Richard Linklater
American Director
I like films that just put you in someone's world. It can be very subversive. Hitchcock would put you in the mind of a psychopath, and you'd care about them.
Quote examples
Alex Garland
British Novelist
The Beach' novel, in my mind, was, in some respects, subversive.
Quote examples
Tahar Rahim
French Actor
What is art? Art talks about life; it's subversive.
Example 1 of 10
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