as in humbly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion
the dominant personality, he is always taking advantage of his so-called best friend, who just meekly accepts it
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Recent Examples of meekly
Whether a man chose to use that pistol or meekly give up the money to a robber was up to him.
—
Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
That was checkmate, as Martinez grounded out meekly to end the season.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Are members of Congress really supposed to sit meekly and quietly while the president uses the rostrum of their chamber to abuse and insult them in the ugliest language?
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy.
—Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Ball handlers would dribble close to the basket, only to meekly back away, sensing him looming.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
In other words, students prepare for citizenship in a disputatious society by practicing the civic arts—by asserting and advocating for their views—not by meekly absorbing lessons from their instructors.
—Christopher L. Eisgruber, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league position since they were relegated in 1974, and surrendered meekly to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This wholly spiritual identity is truly ours, and to accept this is to meekly and mightily align our thoughts with divine Love and our real selfhood.
—Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2025
Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
That was checkmate, as Martinez grounded out meekly to end the season.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Are members of Congress really supposed to sit meekly and quietly while the president uses the rostrum of their chamber to abuse and insult them in the ugliest language?
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy.
—Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Ball handlers would dribble close to the basket, only to meekly back away, sensing him looming.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
In other words, students prepare for citizenship in a disputatious society by practicing the civic arts—by asserting and advocating for their views—not by meekly absorbing lessons from their instructors.
—Christopher L. Eisgruber, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league position since they were relegated in 1974, and surrendered meekly to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This wholly spiritual identity is truly ours, and to accept this is to meekly and mightily align our thoughts with divine Love and our real selfhood.
—Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meekly
Adverb
-
Among all these elaborate and painstakingly studied novelties, loaves of barbari, the bread that kicked it off, await almost humbly.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
Our journey began humbly in 1983 with high-stakes bingo.—
Cody J Martinez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Lateef sheepishly raked his hand through his hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Kayumi then appeared to sheepishly shrink in his chair.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Three sitting rooms are complemented by a further three members’ social spaces for carousing in, concealed behind a subtle screen (here, DJs including Goldierocks make appearances, and mobile snaps are banned; staff politely place a sticker over mobile camera lenses).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
As the credits rolled, the audience clapped politely.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meekly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meekly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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