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
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Getty The scenario touched a nerve among other Reddit users who chimed in with sympathy and suggestions—some humorous, others passive-aggressive, and a few downright devious.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
The match Sunday between Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Nicolás Jarry turned into a deliciously passive-aggressive battle, as the Chilean grew increasingly annoyed with how long his opponent was bouncing the ball for between serves.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 July 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
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Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
The match Sunday between Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Nicolás Jarry turned into a deliciously passive-aggressive battle, as the Chilean grew increasingly annoyed with how long his opponent was bouncing the ball for between serves.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 July 2025
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
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 23 Jul. 2025.
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