passivity

noun

Definition of passivitynext
1
as in acquiescence

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in inertia

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Dissimilar Words

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 passivity 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 Whereas Clara’s journey is one into slumber, inaction, passivity, and perpetuating the system. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 In that process, key nuances can get lost, turning action into passivity, for instance, or adding a gender to a word where none existed in the original. — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 Trey posted high contact rates and patience bordering on passivity at showcases. — Keith Law, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for passivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passivity
  1. acquiescence
  2. inertia
  3. submissiveness
  4. apathy
  5. deference
  6. passiveness
  7. humility
  8. stupor
Noun
  • Enforcement should address speech codes, discriminatory security fees, selective recognition of student groups, and administrative acquiescence in the heckler’s veto.
    — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • Max Murray, of North Liberty, staffed the station to help participants learn about inertia and motion.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Health care industry opposition and employer inertia have stymied wholesale changes over the past several decades, but the financial strain on workers and companies has made reform a priority.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • And for a franchise built on passionate online debate from a vocal fandom, apathy is a death knell.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Their level of apathy and absenteeism will spell the difference between a good and a great night for Democrats.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of apathy
Noun
  • Legislative deference to the executive in times of war is not unique to Trump’s second term, but Congress should close loopholes that allow presidents to expand their power unchecked.
    — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Across more than a dozen votes forced by Democrats to rein in the president's war powers, the vast majority of the GOP conference has remained united in opposition, granting the president wide deference in steering the conflict.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • Failing to generate a takeaway completed the trilogy of passiveness.
    — ABC News, 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, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of passiveness
Noun
  • Also, all of this wrapped up in humility, grace, and gratitude.
    — Brie Stimson , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Advertisement Open-mindedness is related in part to intellectual humility, recognizing one’s own imperfections as a knower, and appreciating others’ thinking strengths.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • However, the threat posed by bounty hunter Paladin (Todd Stashwick) and the prospect of a reunion with his son conspire to draw him out of his stupor.
    — Tom Bailey, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Rams’ decision to arrive in Melbourne the day before the game appeared to leave them in a stupor.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of stupor

Browse Nearby Words

passiveness
passivity
pass muster
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Cite this Entry

“Passivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passivity. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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