OBSEQUIOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obsequious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile , slavish , and subservient . While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner. // waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

Q: When is 'servile' a more appropriate choice than 'obsequious'?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave. // a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Q: When can 'slavish' be used instead of 'obsequious'?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility. // the slavish status of migrant farm workers

Q: When could 'subservient' be used to replace 'obsequious'?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position. // domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

obsequious

adjective

Definition of obsequious next

as in subordinate

disapproving too eager to help or obey someone important She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.

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How is the word obsequious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile, slavish, and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When is servile a more appropriate choice than obsequious?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

When can slavish be used instead of obsequious?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

When could subservient be used to replace obsequious?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of obsequious Trump’s Cabinet meetings might as well be filmed in North Korea what with the obsequious pandering before one of them dares speak. —

Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026 Specific versions of ChatGPT have been singled out as being especially obsequious, and extreme cases have led to breaks with reality and explosions of violence. —

Frank Landymore, Futurism, 11 Mar. 2026 In fact, the obsequious Barack Obama and the hapless Joe Biden helped Iran by sending in plane loads of cash to the murdering mullahs in exchange for nothing. —

Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026 Media analysts said Hegseth was trying to replace independent observers with obsequious pro-Trump voices. —

Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsequious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsequious

Adjective

The economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 30 May 2026
The study examined 518 manager-subordinate relationships and found that this leadership approach enhanced both employee thriving and performance through stronger positive job attitudes.

— Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Definition of subordinate

Adjective

Furthermore, every wager is carefully tracked by these providers, meaning that the taxing authorities can be even more dutiful in ensuring that taxpayers are paying their fair share in income taxes on sports betting activities.

— Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Like that dutiful mastiff, this Urus is happiest when let off the leash.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Definition of dutiful

Adjective

Unfortunately, Trump takes servile flattery as his due.

— Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
Of course, all of this convenient acquiescence will sound familiar in the United States, where our own Congress and Department of Justice have been nothing if not servile to a brazenly corrupt executive.

— Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026