passiveness

noun

Definition of passivenessnext
as in passivity

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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 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
  1. passivity
  2. acquiescence
  3. willingness
Noun
  • This implicit passivity assumes that technology, rather than people, will determine AI’s impact on work.
    — Byron Auguste, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Adam is smart and kind, but gentle to the point of passivity.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of passivity
Noun
  • The greatest near-term threat to world order, then, is what might be called the Taiwanese chip crisis, in which Beijing mobilizes to take control of the island and the United States must choose between armed resistance and acquiescence.
    — NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • Some of the fault lies in the customers’ willingness to pay those fares.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Witkoff also hailed Russia’s willingness to restart talks over ending the war.
    — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of willingness

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passively
passiveness
passivity
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Cite this Entry

“Passiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passiveness. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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