as in gracious
formal
willing or eager to please other people
a complaisant young intern who happily accepted any task
Related Words
Relevance
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 complaisant
Now, each time is like this, complaisant, Emil pretending to be only half awake.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Every day, Congress and the media stand by in complaisant silence that tells the rest of the world we U.S. citizens cannot be trusted to elect prudent leaders.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
However, Imperial County landowners and complaisant U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials ignored that limit, allowing rapid consolidation of land, says Andrés, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on the county’s early years.
—Janet Wilson, ProPublica, 9 Nov. 2023
Last month Ferrari lofted its banners over a resort near the southern port of Cagliari and invited journalists to test-drive the new Ferrari Roma Spider, taking advantage of the excellent tarmac, ideal weather and complaisant authorities.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2023
Private institutional investors such as BlackRock and Vanguard tend to be more complaisant about CEO pay — except for European funds.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023
Overall, the song feels like a deep analysis and reflection on the complaisant position men may take in love and relationships, giving us a track that reams out awful boyfriends and the mindless behavior of their partners who continue to allow them back into their lives to act this way.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 21 May 2022
But Ohio shouldn’t get complaisant.
—Julie Washington, cleveland, 8 Apr. 2021
Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Every day, Congress and the media stand by in complaisant silence that tells the rest of the world we U.S. citizens cannot be trusted to elect prudent leaders.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
However, Imperial County landowners and complaisant U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials ignored that limit, allowing rapid consolidation of land, says Andrés, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on the county’s early years.
—Janet Wilson, ProPublica, 9 Nov. 2023
Last month Ferrari lofted its banners over a resort near the southern port of Cagliari and invited journalists to test-drive the new Ferrari Roma Spider, taking advantage of the excellent tarmac, ideal weather and complaisant authorities.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2023
Private institutional investors such as BlackRock and Vanguard tend to be more complaisant about CEO pay — except for European funds.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023
Overall, the song feels like a deep analysis and reflection on the complaisant position men may take in love and relationships, giving us a track that reams out awful boyfriends and the mindless behavior of their partners who continue to allow them back into their lives to act this way.
—Abby Dupes, Seventeen, 21 May 2022
But Ohio shouldn’t get complaisant.
—Julie Washington, cleveland, 8 Apr. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complaisant
Adjective
-
Penalties on penalties on penalties, gracious hosts, UCLA’s 13 flags Friday gifted the Lobos 116 yards – running the season’s tally to 30 penalties for 275 yards.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Goodness gracious, what an adorable little burrito that kid is!—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is a set of policies that has baffled some China experts, or at least raised questions about the president’s stance on America’s friendly rival.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Twine also noted its subtle scent, quick absorption, and makeup-friendly finish.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Built between the late 17th century and early 18th century, the picturesque home has been restored by thoughtful architects who preserved the building’s rustic simplicity while ushering it into the modern era.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Housed in the former Town Hall, built in 1816, the museum offers a thoughtful overview of the region’s history.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
No better planetary system more amenable to JWST’s scrutiny has been found in our pocket of the galaxy, Gillon says—and TRAPPIST-1e may be its crown jewel.—
Jonathan O'Callaghan,
Scientific American,
8 Sep. 2025
-
There may be specific situations where the needs to keep providing services are so acute that Republicans Joel Anderson and/or Jim Desmond will be amenable.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
How different this occasion was from her interesting experience at the book sale and the most agreeable lunch with that charming antique dealer and his nephew!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Among Sister Albertine’s growing flock of followers are many non-believers, some of whom are attracted by the curiosity of an unusual, and agreeable, figure offering a window into another world.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complaisant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complaisant. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share