subversive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "subversive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is attempting to undermine an established system or institution. For example, "The underground organization was accused of subversive tactics in an effort to overthrow the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These are, firstly, the difficulty of identifying clearly the hand of a hostile state government in the subversive destabilising effects they bring to bear in the early stages of such a strategy," he said.

The Guardian

It also signified that Zhang, who hailed from a family with a Chinese nationalist past and was once seen as a subversive film-maker, had been welcomed into the fold of official Communist party approval.

The Guardian - Film

Two intriguing perspectives on NHS white paper developments: Andy Cowper's When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro post and HSJ Editor Alistair McLellan's leader on Stephen Dorrell's "electrifying" - and pretty subversive intervention on the pace of reform.

The Guardian

In the years since, Thatcher and her former ministers and intelligence mandarins have defended such covert action by insisting the NUM leaders were "subversive" because they wanted to bring down the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Azerbaijani subversive groups were ambushed," the official said.

The Guardian

A series of unknown poems by the novelist and subversive essayist Angela Carter, discovered at her former London home, have revealed a previously unknown passion that casts new light on her development as a novelist.

The Guardian - Books

Naive, subversive, priggish, lentil-eating, sandal-wearing, feminist, humourless … the right's charge list is a long one.

The Guardian

Not only that, they were midwives of the subversive variety, who disagreed with many of the practices they saw in their day-to-day work on labour wards.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I became known as the subversive, the political animal, the jailhouse lawyer".

The Guardian

In his video installation Barflies, which is at the Site Gallery in Sheffield until September 7, Chakravarthi stations himself in a variety of pubs and clubs and tries to get some attention, resulting in a subversive artwork that underlines the distinction between outward appearance and inward reality, according to the Guardian's review.

The Guardian

From our very first track we said we were subversive pop musicians and I think we remembered that while making this record.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subversive", ensure the context clearly indicates what system or authority is being undermined. Providing specific examples of the actions or beliefs being described enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "subversive" as a catch-all term for anything you dislike. It specifically implies an intent to undermine established power structures. Ensure your usage accurately reflects this intention to maintain precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "subversive" primarily functions as an attributive modifier, describing a noun by ascribing to it the quality of undermining or intending to overthrow an established order. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing actions, groups, or ideas that challenge prevailing systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subversive" functions as an adjective used to describe something or someone that undermines established systems or authorities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, and it has a neutral tone. When employing this term, clarity is paramount: be precise about what is being undermined. Alternatives include "revolutionary" and "rebellious", each carrying nuanced differences. By understanding the nuances, writers can accurately convey the intended meaning and enhance their writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolutionary

Suggests a complete and fundamental change, often involving political upheaval.

rebellious

Implies resistance to authority but may not necessarily aim to overthrow it.

seditious

Focuses on inciting rebellion against authority through speech or writing.

radical

Denotes a departure from the usual or traditional; inclined to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions.

insurrectionary

Focuses specifically on open revolt against authority.

iconoclastic

Describes attacking cherished beliefs or institutions.

undermining

Describes actions that weaken or destabilize something gradually.

destabilizing

Focuses on causing instability or disruption.

disruptive

Implies causing disorder or interrupting the normal course of events.

agitational

Implies stirring up public interest in order to cause a disturbance.

FAQs

How can "subversive" be used in a sentence?

The adjective "subversive" describes something or someone intending to undermine an established system or authority. For example, "The artist's work was seen as "subversive" because it challenged traditional norms."

What is a close synonym for "subversive"?

A close synonym for "subversive" is "revolutionary", which also suggests a desire to overturn established systems but often implies a more drastic and widespread change.

What's the difference between "subversive" and "rebellious"?

"Subversive" implies a deliberate attempt to undermine or overthrow, while "rebellious" simply indicates resistance to authority, without necessarily aiming to dismantle the system.

Is it always negative to be described as "subversive"?

Not necessarily. While "subversive" often carries negative connotations, it can also be seen as positive in contexts where the established system is considered unjust or oppressive. In such cases, being "subversive" might be viewed as courageous or progressive.