Simple Definition of obsequious

from our Learner's Dictionary

obsequious

adjective

əbˈsiːkwijəs How to pronounce obsequious (audio)
disapproving : too eager to help or obey someone important
She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.

Cite this Entry

“Obsequious.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obsequious. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on obsequious

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obsequious

Nglish: Translation of obsequious for Spanish Speakers

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of crux

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

On ‘Suffice It to Say’

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 29
See More

Popular

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
mailbox-with-lots-of-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All