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 Howell has also been consulting for the Carlyle Group, the private equity fund, which was recently given the go-ahead to buy passive minority stakes in NFL teams. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025 This portable Bluetooth speaker features two woofers, two tweeters, and dual pumping passive radiators that deliver dynamic, immersive sound with deep bass for up to 24 hours on a single charge. Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 15 July 2025 Bryan Armour, the director of passive strategies research at financial firm Morningstar, said the policy blitz in the House marks the latest in a string of positive developments for crypto in Washington, D.C., since President Donald Trump’s election victory in November. Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 July 2025 The findings show that giant viruses aren’t just passive players within the ocean’s ecosystem. New Atlas, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for passive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passive
Adjective
  • 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
  • If 28 Days Later presaged our post-9/11 paranoia and dread, 28 Years Later settles into the resigned gloom of our modern age, where everything is rubbish and only getting worse.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tatras are a large livestock guardian breed originating from the Tatra Mountains in Poland, while golden retrievers are a popular choice as family pets due to their gentle and obedient nature.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on passive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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