subrogation

noun

sub·​ro·​ga·​tion ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce subrogation (audio)
: the act of subrogating
specifically : the assumption by a third party (such as a second creditor or an insurance company) of another's legal right to collect a debt or damages

Examples of subrogation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No legislation has yet been filed to end what are called insurers’ subrogation claims. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Negotiations over those details are likely to conclude easier if the different groups can reach agreement over insurance subrogation, as the session barrels into its final weekend. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The senate plan offered some help to utilities, however, such as largely barring insurers from selling subrogation claims to hedge funds. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 That means capping legal fees for predatory lawyers, blocking hedge funds from buying subrogation rights, and limiting third-party profiteering. — Adam Kovacevich, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subrogation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subrogation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for subrogation

See All Rhymes for subrogation

Browse Nearby Words

subrogate
subrogation
sub-rosa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subrogation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

subrogation

noun
sub·​ro·​ga·​tion ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce subrogation (audio)
1
: an equitable doctrine holding that when a third party pays a creditor or obligee the third party succeeds to the creditor's rights against the debtor or obligor
also : a doctrine holding that when an insurance company pays an insured's claim of loss due to another's tort the insurer succeeds to the insured's rights (as the right to sue for damages) against the tortfeasor

called also equitable subrogation

2
: an act or instance of subrogating
where an insurer has acquired by an assignment or by subrogation the right to recover for money—J. M. Landers et al.

Note: Subrogation can take place either by operation of law or by contractual agreement.

More from Merriam-Webster on subrogation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subrogation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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