Definition of amenablenext
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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 Red clover stands taller, is less amenable to mowing, and can be short-lived. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026 The Good Neighbor Council for Control of Airport Noise was not amenable. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 7 May 2026 While the Senate could eventually be amenable to oversight measures added by the House, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said late Wednesday that another short-term extension will likely be needed ahead of the Friday deadline. ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026 The service Staff are relaxed, friendly, and highly amenable—no request is too outlandish. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable
Adjective
  • The petition states that Nick Reiner still wants Jackson to represent him, and that Jackson is still willing to do so if funds can be obtained.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 June 2026
  • In a declaration, Jackson said his firm remained willing to return if funding became available, including through alternative fee arrangements.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • How might Infantino continue to profess neutrality while still clearly taking a side, pretending to listen to every voice while remaining obedient to only one?
    Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
  • These stories usually involve a woman shucking societal norms of being nice, pretty, and obedient.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the immediate aftermath of the stabbing, Lang was responsible for organizing a protest in support of Metcalf.
    Shawna Mizelle, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Lawmakers later revised the formula, but the state remained responsible for payments tied to earlier budget cycles.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Following practice, a Panthers spokesperson clarified that the team expects McMillan to be ready for training camp in July.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • While the Patriots could have caved to the pressure, Cash said the group was ready to adjust.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Though president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is always liable to seek help from outside of the organization, the team’s minor-league depth is markedly thin, particularly after the team opened this season by promoting Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter to the big-league squad.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • But in that case, the departing spouse is still liable for the mortgage.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Union-Tribune found those in attendance at Petco Park were more inclined to keep the faith than throw in the towel.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York finds that companies are less inclined to hire young college graduates into roles that can be done remotely.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rinker, whose last few years have been filled with loss, is just glad to be home.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Andrew coach Dave DeHaan is certainly glad for that.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amenable. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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