AMENABLE Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'amenable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of amenable are docile , obedient , and tractable . While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness. // amenable to new ideas

Q: When is it sensible to use 'docile' instead of 'amenable'?

The words docile and amenable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance. // a docile child

Q: When might 'obedient' be a better fit than 'amenable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to amenable , obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority. // obedient to the government

Q: When could 'tractable' be used to replace 'amenable'?

While the synonyms tractable and amenable are close in meaning, tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing. // tractable animals

amenable

adjective

ə-ˈmē-nə-bəl

Definition of amenable next

as in willing

having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action) whatever you decide to do, I'm amenable—just let me know

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obedient

readily giving in to the command or authority of another our normally balky cat becomes the most amenable of creatures when confronted with the strange environment of the veterinary clinic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in responsible

being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so even our nation's highest leaders must remain amenable to the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word amenable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of amenable are docile, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.

amenable to new ideas

When is it sensible to use docile instead of amenable?

The words docile and amenable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When might obedient be a better fit than amenable?

While in some cases nearly identical to amenable, obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When could tractable be used to replace amenable?

While the synonyms tractable and amenable are close in meaning, tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

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 amenable Figure skating fans rooting for Sabaté to skate as a Minion might assume that since NBCUniversal broadcasts the Winter Olympics in the US, the company would be more amenable to having the Minions, stars of one of its successful franchises, appear on ice. —

Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026 That said, Greenland is, and has been, under the control of a longstanding and amenable ally. —

Chloe Demrovsky, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The hope would be renegotiating for a more cap-friendly deal, but Fitzpatrick would need to be amenable. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 Tucker is believed to be amenable to playing left field to accommodate Soto, and Soto could be amenable to playing left field as well. —

Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amenable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable

Adjective

His hopes of passing that ban on institutional housing investors appeals to members of both parties, but Democrats remain skeptical Trump is willing to muscle that through his own party.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026
But that reception will mask signs of discontent among some GOP lawmakers, who have become more willing to cross the president in recent months.

— Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026