subversive

/səbˈvɜrsɪv/
adjective
  1. Intended to weaken or overthrow an established system, government, or authority, often by secret or indirect means.
    • Some people see the artist's work as subversive because it challenges traditional values.
    • The government banned the book for its subversive ideas about democracy.
    • The group was accused of spreading subversive propaganda to undermine the government.
  2. Tending to challenge or disrupt accepted norms, rules, or traditions in a creative or playful way.
    • Her fashion designs are subversive, mixing formal and casual styles in unexpected ways.
    • The comedian's subversive humor made the audience laugh while questioning social norms.
    • The movie uses subversive storytelling to turn the typical hero story upside down.
noun
  1. A person who tries to weaken or overthrow an established system, government, or authority, often by secret or indirect means.
    • During the war, the government kept a list of suspected subversives.
    • The novel tells the story of a subversive working undercover to expose corruption.
    • The police arrested several subversives who were planning to attack the capital.
What does "subversive" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean