PASSIVENESS Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

passiveness

noun

Definition of passiveness

as in passivity

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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 passiveness Failing to generate a takeaway completed the trilogy of passiveness. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 The little girl could be heard well over a rowdy crowd that had about been lulled into passiveness — and eventually, boos in the fifth round — in the humdrum title fight. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 Despite his relative passiveness, Brighton’s collective structure is strong. — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for passiveness

Noun

Adam is smart and kind, but gentle to the point of passivity.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
The Lizzie Borden Story lifts Abby out of mythological passivity and puts her at the center of events, perhaps most significantly by having her kill Lizzie’s pet doves.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of passivity

Noun

Their acquiescence to this encroachment on their powers has made these politicians increasingly dependent on a dysfunctional national government.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026
But many assumptions that Stratos’ investors or Utah politicians might have had about Box Elder County – about either the acquiescence of its people or the barrenness of its landscape – have been proved wrong over the past few months.

— Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of acquiescence

Noun

Bain’s message is that incumbents with proprietary data, customer relationships and a willingness to redesign workflows could be well positioned to capture value.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Whether this works will depend on its agility and willingness of brands to adapt to a market that’s completely changed in the past decade.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of willingness

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“Passiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passiveness. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of passiveness

noun

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