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
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
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
-
Our journey began humbly in 1983 with high-stakes bingo.—
Cody J Martinez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The archbishop knocks on the door with a pastoral staff and humbly requests admission to the cathedral.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Kayumi then appeared to sheepishly shrink in his chair.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Liu sheepishly turned and applauded the 17-year-old Nakai, who raced over and hugged her.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Those absent will include Beatrice and Eugenie of York, who politely declined the Easter invitation of their uncle, King Charles III, in the wake of the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
4 Apr. 2026
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Shortly before launching his solo career in 1972, Thompson politely declined Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s overtures to join what soon became the Eagles.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meekly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meekly. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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