passive-aggressive
adjective
pas·sive-ag·gres·sive
ˈpa-siv-ə-ˈgre-siv 
: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)
It is passive-aggressive behavior, the donning of a mask of amiability that conceals raw antagonism toward one's competitors, even one's friends.—
Hilary De Vries
Hilary De VriesA passive-aggressive manager eschews open hostilities, in part because he feels distinctly uncomfortable with them.—Walter Kiechel III
Walter Kiechel III
passive-aggressive
noun
Examples of passive-aggressive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If someone sends critical feedback followed by a smiley face, Gen Z might read it as passive-aggressive rather than thoughtful.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
You might be stuck playing 18 holes of passive-aggressive putt-putt.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Hayes concluded by emphasizing the importance of respectful communication over passive-aggressive actions.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Once again, things get passive-aggressive until, while the two women fight to clean up the table, Carrie knocks the Coke over, Miranda’s computer gets wet, and Miranda uses a fancy scarf Carrie had lent her to clean up.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
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Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
You might be stuck playing 18 holes of passive-aggressive putt-putt.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Hayes concluded by emphasizing the importance of respectful communication over passive-aggressive actions.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Once again, things get passive-aggressive until, while the two women fight to clean up the table, Carrie knocks the Coke over, Miranda’s computer gets wet, and Miranda uses a fancy scarf Carrie had lent her to clean up.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
Cite this Entry
“Passive-aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive-aggressive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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