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 Among its more iconic designs is the Traveller jacket, made from a lightweight shell fabric amenable to overheated airports or rainy city days. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026 Panthera says poaching is down, and the protection and revitalization has made the forest more amenable to big cats. Tom Page, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 Lawmakers generally amenable to telework Outside the committee room, Krystal Coles watched a livestream of the hearing with a group of other state employees. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026 The region’s climate is particularly amenable to growing most fruits and vegetables year-round. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable
Adjective
  • Kolo Muani produced one of his better performances, willing to get on the ball and run at defenders.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • Suddenly, solutions feel easier to grasp, as people are more willing to compromise and collaborate.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Just think of all those vacant Madonnas, structurally perfect compositions, and obedient daydreams of antiquity.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Always obedient, Agnes happily welcomes Daisy despite Shu’s warnings.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2024, disagreements between National Grid, a responsible party, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation halted the planning for additional environmental cleanup, freezing the project.
    Michelle de la Uz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
  • At this point, this is a legal matter, and the most responsible path forward is accountability through the appropriate process with a focus on donor remedies including the return of funds to impacted donors.
    Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 7th House of Partnership, illuminating what both sides need and are ready to offer.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • One part of the mission that remains up in the air is whether or not a version of the lunar spacesuits being developed by Axiom Space will be ready for a test run in space.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Employers who violate the WARN Act may be liable for back pay and benefits for the period of violation, up to 60 days.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Both have vigorously argued they should not be held liable for the full amount and claimed the tragedy was beyond their control.
    Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The authors suggest that because exercise boosts feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol, smokers who work out feel less inclined to use nicotine as a brain reward.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • Accessibility There are elevators throughout and inclined ramps to access certain common areas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • So glad to see Jacqueline Mathews back.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • The Gators are glad to be along for the ride.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amenable. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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