meekness

noun

meek·​ness ˈmēk-nəs How to pronounce meekness (audio)
Synonyms of meeknessnext
: the quality or state of being meek : a mild, moderate, humble, or submissive quality
He is accomplished in the art of approaching strangers, donning an air of such meekness and respect that no one can believe for long that he's a cop.William Finnegan
His stance on Chinese trade has wavered to date between sheer intimidation on the campaign trail and meekness in actual negotiations.Sara Hsu

Examples of meekness in a Sentence

like most other things, meekness is best practiced in moderation
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.
Such meekness is understandable from him. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026 Likewise, meekness once meant not becoming weak, but subjugating power to reason – not letting anger take control. Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026 Partially, that comes down to Melling’s willingness to make big, interesting physical choices within the scope of Colin’s meekness. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026 May the Spirit of God, who is truth and strength, and instils meekness and courage, sustain you. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Oct. 2025 Most Canadians want uncomplicated lives, a desire for calm that can be misinterpreted by louder people as meekness. Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 There is no meekness to his game. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 But to see Bass as a kumbaya leader — or to mistake her softness for meekness — is to fundamentally misunderstand her. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024 Its rejection of the player feels somehow intentional—the result of meekness, perhaps, or some unknowable thought process. Patrick House, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meekness was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Meekness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meekness. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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