Synonym Chooser

How is the word passive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of passive are idle, inactive, inert, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When might idle be a better fit than passive?

While in some cases nearly identical to passive, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When can inactive be used instead of passive?

Although the words inactive and passive have much in common, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

Where would inert be a reasonable alternative to passive?

While the synonyms inert and passive are close in meaning, inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

When is supine a more appropriate choice than passive?

The words supine and passive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

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 passive The egg was thought to be passive while the sperm was active. Sara Giordano, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025 The firm is committed to designing buildings that are sensitive to their surroundings and utilize passive design principles. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 Portugal secured the third spot due to the availability of a D7 visa, which is aimed at retirees and remote workers with a passive income of at least €870 (approximately $1,015) per month. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025 Blank or not, Helen is hardly a passive character. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passive
Adjective
  • Just 14 yards on resigned run plays were, however, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Oliver Thomas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • As new members have replaced the resigned ones, the board has ramped up focus on policies around LGBTQ+ students, dress codes and health curriculum.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The pawrent, who uses the social media tag @dollythesassysausage, shared the unconventional tactic of tying the lead of their sausage dog, Dolly, to their sibling's dog—an obedient cocker spaniel called Cooper.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The Golem was a powerful, obedient protector, performing tasks and defending the ghetto.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Where Chelsea’s domestic overseers have been largely acquiescent to their accounting ingenuity, the same can’t be said abroad.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu appears convinced that his country’s security, along with his own political survival, depends on prolonging the military offensives and keeping both Gaza and Lebanon ungovernable, and therefore acquiescent.
    Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Passive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passive. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on passive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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