OBSEQUIOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obsequious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile , slavish , and subservient . While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner. // waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

Q: When is 'servile' a more appropriate choice than 'obsequious'?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave. // a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Q: When can 'slavish' be used instead of 'obsequious'?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility. // the slavish status of migrant farm workers

Q: When could 'subservient' be used to replace 'obsequious'?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position. // domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

obsequious

adjective

Definition of obsequious next

as in subordinate

disapproving too eager to help or obey someone important She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obsequious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile, slavish, and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When is servile a more appropriate choice than obsequious?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

When can slavish be used instead of obsequious?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

When could subservient be used to replace obsequious?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

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 obsequious Plentiful staff are ever-present and always obliging, without being obsequious. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 This approach is best exemplified by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who in June sent Trump an obsequious message praising his Middle Eastern diplomacy and lauding him for getting European countries to spend more on defense. —

Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 What the obsequious emails to Epstein seem to illustrate is that many people with influence were willing to overlook his crimes, horrific behavior, and witless observations as long as there was something in it for them. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025 Carol, a reclusive and disgruntled bestselling romantasy author, exhorts her reticent audience of five immune English speakers to reclaim human agency against the milquetoast, obsequious blob and join her in a quest to reverse the happiness apocalypse. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsequious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsequious

Adjective

The Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force subordinate to the IRGC and has played a key role in suppressing protests and enforcing government authority inside Iran.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026
Her costume and hair shows how Linda is restricted by her times, presumed as being subordinate to her husband.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026