obsequious
adjective
ob·se·qui·ous
əb-ˈsē-kwē-əs 
äb-
usually disapproving
: marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
was always followed around by his obsequious minions
There are no hushed voices, white tablecloths or obsequious waiters.—
Isabelle Kliger
Isabelle KligerNot pleasing others enough amounts to surliness, pleasing too much makes one obsequious …—Carlin Flora
Carlin Flora
obsequiously
adverb
obsequiousness
noun
Did you know?
Follow Along With the Definition of Obsequious
According to the origin of the word, an obsequious person is more likely to be a follower than a leader. The word comes from Latin sequi, meaning "to follow"; the prefix ob- means "toward."
Examples of obsequious in a Sentence
But the Democratic presidential nominee is commonly referred to as Elvis, and his running mate as Eddie Haskell, that obsequious weenie from '50s TV.
—Guy Trebay, Village Voice, 28 July 1992
He could wear an oxford shirt and necktie and speak the local language, in every sense, and never act obsequious or look as though he felt out of place.
—Tracy Kidder, New England Monthly, April 1990
The obsequious villagers touched their caps but sneered behind her back.
—"George Sand," 1980,
in V. S. Pritchett: A Man of Letters, 1985
Nash's other hand flashed forward a lighter with the obsequious speed of a motor salesman.
—Ian Fleming, From Russia, With Love, 1957
She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.
Guy Trebay, Village Voice, 28 July 1992
He could wear an oxford shirt and necktie and speak the local language, in every sense, and never act obsequious or look as though he felt out of place.
—Tracy Kidder, New England Monthly, April 1990
The obsequious villagers touched their caps but sneered behind her back.
—"George Sand," 1980,
in V. S. Pritchett: A Man of Letters, 1985
Nash's other hand flashed forward a lighter with the obsequious speed of a motor salesman.
—Ian Fleming, From Russia, With Love, 1957
She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.
Recent Examples on the Web
Western leaders have sought to paper over these inconvenient truths, including at their June G-7 and NATO summits, with obsequious efforts to flatter, humor, and cajole Trump.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Von der Leyen did not appear obsequious in her meeting with Trump.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 July 2025
The Texas State Legislature was even more obsequious, approving a $15 million incentive package in 2013.
—Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Softening the strongman The film starts with the loyal and somewhat obsequious journalist Pavel Zarubin interviewing Putin at the end of his long working day in the Kremlin, at 1:30 a.m.
—Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsequious
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.
Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Von der Leyen did not appear obsequious in her meeting with Trump.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 July 2025
The Texas State Legislature was even more obsequious, approving a $15 million incentive package in 2013.
—Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Softening the strongman The film starts with the loyal and somewhat obsequious journalist Pavel Zarubin interviewing Putin at the end of his long working day in the Kremlin, at 1:30 a.m.
—Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsequious
Cite this Entry
“Obsequious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsequious. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obsequious
adjective
ob·se·qui·ous
əb-ˈsē-kwē-əs
äb-
: overly eager to help or obey at the wish or command of another person especially to gain favor
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share