submissive

1 of 2

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmi-siv 

: submitting to others

submissive employees

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

submissiveness

2 of 2

noun

sub·​mis·​sive·​ness

-sivnə̇s, 

-sēv- also -sə̇v-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being submissive

Synonyms of submissive

Adjective

• obedient
• compliant
• docile

Examples of submissive in a Sentence

Adjective

it's not in her nature to be submissive

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The submissive Colin finds new confidence and enjoys doing assorted things for Ray, but complications arise when Colin begins to want something more emotional. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 June 2026

This is a strategy born not of manly strength, but of submissive desperation. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Harry Melling stars as a young introvert who meets an older biker (Alexander Skarsgård) and becomes his submissive. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026

Participants will gain skills to develop mutual trust, respect, and mindfulness between Dominant and submissive. — Rachel Del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1572, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for submissive

• derisive
• dismissive
• emissive
• permissive
• transmissive
• missive

Kids Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: inclined or willing to submit to others : yielding

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin submissus, past participle of submittere "to let down," from sub- "under, below" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to message

Medical Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: characterized by tendencies to yield to the will or authority of others

bullying usually involves a stronger, more dominant personality coercing a weaker, more submissive personality

—S. W. Twemlow et al.

submissiveness noun