as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another
a docile young pony that went wherever it was led
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in obedience
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others
dogs bred for docility instead of aggressiveness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 28 Apr. 2025
According to Mississippi State University Extension, lambs weigh between 8 and 12 pounds and are more docile than their older counterparts.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Peasants have often been seen as docile and passive.
—Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Women provided cheap, docile, and uncomplaining behind-the-scenes labor in an expensive industry whose glamour was all in the hardware.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for docile
Adjective
This time around, Venus in Aries will be more docile and less rambunctious.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 28 Apr. 2025
According to Mississippi State University Extension, lambs weigh between 8 and 12 pounds and are more docile than their older counterparts.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Peasants have often been seen as docile and passive.
—Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Women provided cheap, docile, and uncomplaining behind-the-scenes labor in an expensive industry whose glamour was all in the hardware.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for docile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for docile
Adjective
-
The scale asks whether a respondent tends to prefer children who are obedient, well behaved and well mannered or children who are independent, creative and considerate.—
Adam Eichen,
The Conversation,
11 June 2025
-
Those who tend to favor obedient children are scored as having more authoritarian views.—
Adam Eichen,
The Conversation,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Clarity follows courage, and pivoting becomes an act of obedience, not just ambition.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
There is also a 90-minute weekend obedience course for those in need of severe rehabilitation.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
The major sticking point in negotiations that kept the strike going for nearly a year was protections surrounding generative A.I., which the gaming companies made significant acquiescences to come their best, last and final offer.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
11 June 2025
-
His goal seems to be to scare the public into acquiescence.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Docile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docile. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share