Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of docile are amenable, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When can amenable be used instead of docile?

The words amenable and docile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can obedient take the place of docile?

The synonyms obedient and docile are sometimes interchangeable, but obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When would tractable be a good substitute for docile?

The words tractable and docile can be used in similar contexts, but 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 docile Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas, which usually stay hidden in their burrows, are generally docile and are not dangerous. USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 My younger daughter, who is usually quite docile, blew up at the comment. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 26 July 2025 The 2025 legislative session marked a sharp departure from DeSantis’ previously tight control of a docile Legislature. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 July 2025 But, with the world’s No 1 bowler absent at Edgbaston, India yet again got far more out of a docile pitch. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for docile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for docile
obedient
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

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Cite this Entry

“Docile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docile. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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