1
2
3
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 If the 24-year-old is enjoying a strong, healthy campaign, rival clubs may be more amenable to picking up his salary. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 The initial approach may have been to extract an agreement for a ceasefire, but Putin may have been amenable to a permanent solution now. Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 New generations are generally more amenable to big shifts like that. Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 For maximum flexibility, consider hosting your event in November, May, or June, when the island is a bit less bustling and villa owners are more amenable to shorter stays. Kristen Korey Pike, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable
Adjective
  • Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been playing the blame game this week, accusing the other of not being willing to negotiate.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One can make the case that many voters are also willing to be selective in their vision—the right’s defense of free speech gathered steam despite the Republican Party suffering from even more seemingly intractable internal contradictions on the issue.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The pawrent, who uses the social media tag @dollythesassysausage, shared the unconventional tactic of tying the lead of their sausage dog, Dolly, to their sibling's dog—an obedient cocker spaniel called Cooper.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The Golem was a powerful, obedient protector, performing tasks and defending the ghetto.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The team member, who was responsible for the safe conduct of releasing car 16, misjudged the situation and gave unclear instructions to LEC, who could not see NOR’s car.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Launched in 2007 in the Argentinian Andes, the Sanin Project represents an 18-year journey dedicated to biodiversity conservation, community empowerment and the responsible sourcing of natural fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerzka cleaned blood off the floor so the area would be ready for more patients.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The next hitter, Marsh, was ready for a two-strike fastball, smoking a 100 mph pitch up the box for a single.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The Lawrence School never reopened While the facility itself has not been found liable for the incidents, The Lawrence School is no longer in operation.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The coaches may be even less inclined to start Comrie more if the defense struggles without Samberg.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • If the labor market shows signs of resiliency, the central bank may be less inclined to cut its benchmark rate.
    Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Mets fans will likely be glad to see the back of Helsley, assuming their team's front office doesn't count on a bounce-back.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Petite shoppers will be glad to hear that the cozy bottoms are available in both a 22- and 30-inch inseam; the former is designed to fit those under 5 feet 4 inches.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Amenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amenable. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amenable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!