1. to include or contain something as a smaller part of something larger
Usage: formal; academic
2. to consider something as part of a more general category or principle
Usage: formal; academic

Examples

• The theory of relativity subsumes classical mechanics as a special case.
• This broader category subsumes several smaller subcategories.
• The new policy subsumes all previous regulations on this topic.
• Her research subsumes work from multiple disciplines.
• The general principle subsumes these specific rules.
• The company’s mission statement subsumes various departmental goals.