as in humble
showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness
every command was obeyed in the menial manner of someone who seemed grateful just to be in the presence of a celebrity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in servant
a person hired to perform household or personal services
immigrants to that country faced fierce prejudice and could expect to find work only as menials
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of menial
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025
Putting a tool in the hands of human workers that can automate otherwise menial tasks or time-consuming ones, freeing them to do more important work, has often been the pitch for agentic AI.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025
Eric Asimov, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
Despite the national security risk articulated by politicians and federal law enforcement officials, some users see the risk as menial compared to other social media platforms.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for menial
Adjective
In her lawsuit, Rivers claimed Combs controlled her sleeping schedule, mocked her eating disorder, yelled at her, and forced her to do menial manual labor without pay.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025
Putting a tool in the hands of human workers that can automate otherwise menial tasks or time-consuming ones, freeing them to do more important work, has often been the pitch for agentic AI.
—Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
An oceanographer served as winemaker, while Mr. Maltese was the group organizer and cellar rat, a wine-industry term for those performing menial but essential tasks like topping off barrels.
—Eric Asimov, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
Despite the national security risk articulated by politicians and federal law enforcement officials, some users see the risk as menial compared to other social media platforms.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for menial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menial
Adjective
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These once-humble activities are reclaiming their place not as quaint relics, but as powerful tools for well-being.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Ready to let the humble-yet-mighty brown work its magic in your wardrobe this fall?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, his daughters Olivia and Helen, and their friends, are finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to, according to the logline.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
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In the trailer, Bettany walks up to a white mansion and is greeted by human servants who are really just recreated AI programs.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Bahrain is ruled by Sunnis and has a mostly Shiite population permanently restless over its servile condition.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2025
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His servile defense secretary has threatened to deploy the military in other cities.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even though Sunday night’s game devolved into a meek, 3-1 loss, the club is still eight wins from a potential World Series title with the hopes of a nation on their collective shoulders.—
Joe Kozlowski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Doherty, 30, is playing meek flower shop assistant Seymour in the treasured musical, about a strange and unusual plant that feeds only on human flesh and blood.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menial. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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