subversively
In undermining fashion
In a manner that undermines or seeks to overthrow an established system, authority, or institution.
The word often describes covert or indirect challenges to power: The satirist subversively mocked the regime through seemingly innocent children's stories.
Something done subversively works against the status quo while avoiding direct confrontation.
In a hidden manner
- stealthilyIn a covert manner
- surreptitiouslyIn a hidden manner
- furtivelyIn a secretive manner
- secretlyWithout others' knowledge
undercover · incognito · undetected · disguised · covertly · under-the-radar · quietly · discreetly
In open resistance
- radicallyTo an extreme degree
- hereticallyAgainst accepted religious doctrine
- irreverentlyWithout proper respect
- transgressivelyIn rule-breaking fashion
provocatively · antiauthoritarian · countercultural · contrarian · rebelliously · disruptively
Harmfully but subtly
- corrosivelyIn eroding manner
- manipulativelyIn a scheming manner
- deceptivelyIn falsely suggestive manner
- treacherouslyIn a betraying manner
cunningly · deviously · underhandedly · calculatingly · perniciously · craftily · schemingly
With opposite meaning intended
- mockinglyIn a ridiculing manner
- sardonicallyWith mocking disdain
- satiricallyWith mocking wit
- parodicallyIn mocking imitation
wryly · sarcastically · tongue-in-cheek · caustically · bitingly · cleverly · wittily · archly
clandestinely
In a hidden manner
- stealthilyIn a covert manner
- surreptitiouslyIn a hidden manner
- furtivelyIn a secretive manner
secretly · undercover · incognito · undetected · disguised · covertly · under-the-radar · quietly · discreetly · sneakily
defiantly
In open resistance
- radicallyTo an extreme degree
- hereticallyAgainst accepted religious doctrine
- irreverentlyWithout proper respect
transgressively · provocatively · antiauthoritarian · countercultural · contrarian · rebelliously · disruptively
insidiously
Harmfully but subtly
- corrosivelyIn eroding manner
- manipulativelyIn a scheming manner
- deceptivelyIn falsely suggestive manner
treacherously · cunningly · deviously · underhandedly · calculatingly · perniciously · craftily · schemingly
ironically
With opposite meaning intended
- mockinglyIn a ridiculing manner
- sardonicallyWith mocking disdain
- satiricallyWith mocking wit
parodically · wryly · sarcastically · tongue-in-cheek · caustically · bitingly · cleverly · wittily · archly · dryly
subversivelyobediently
In a compliant manner
compliantly · loyally · supportively · dutifully · submissively
subversivelyopenly
Without hiding anything
overtly · directly · defiantly · transparently · brazenly
subversivelyconservatively
In a restrained manner
traditionally · constructively · protectively · institutionally
- subversive artExpression challenging power structures
- subversive humorComedy undermining established order
- subversive literatureWritings that threaten power structures
- subversive activityActions meant to overthrow authority
- subversive activitiesActions meant to undermine authority