1
as in acquiescence
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2
as in inertia
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of passivity
That reflects an unserious passivity that permeates every level of the Sky organization.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
The three goals following Erling Haaland’s penalty showcased Liverpool’s passivity and, at times, apparent lack of desire.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
His passivity in situations that would enrage most people to the point of action is frustrating.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Seeking copper wire, preparing a poultice, pouring a bath — these turn passivity into agency.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for passivity
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
The three goals following Erling Haaland’s penalty showcased Liverpool’s passivity and, at times, apparent lack of desire.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
His passivity in situations that would enrage most people to the point of action is frustrating.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Seeking copper wire, preparing a poultice, pouring a bath — these turn passivity into agency.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for passivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passivity
Noun
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Writing in the early 1890s, Nadar deployed Balzac’s reported initial mistrust and later acquiescence to the daguerreotype as an allegory of larger significance for understanding the history of invention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
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But as the sexist and racist nature of the MAGA machine has gained mainstream acquiescence if not acceptance, the need to keep up the appearance of diversity is less and less.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The relative inertia in the January transfer market was very nearly a cataclysmic mistake, as was the installation of Igor Tudor.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
Nuclear plants prefer the steady-demand networks currently in use that have loads of inertia as opposed to the future ones that must accommodate intermittent renewable energy sources.—
David Szondy
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
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
Noun
-
After so much apathy during the past season, his return carries appeal — but supporters are by no means entirely behind his return.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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But the performance on the field wasn’t the biggest cause for concern that night for the Gunners – the most damning indictment was the apathy surrounding the club.—
Thomas Schlachter,
CNN Money,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Murakami didn’t speak after homering Monday in deference to Nishida, but made an exception after Tuesday’s loss.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
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Loper Bright cut into agency deference last term, but reviewing courts still consider whether an agency’s interpretation is reasonable in light of statutory purpose.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite his relative passiveness, Brighton’s collective structure is strong.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Wolf’s nudity could be read as a metaphor for his acceptance of his powerlessness, his willingness to listen with humility, and his purity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
The first film in the Thor series sees the god of thunder exiled from his fabled home of Asgard to earth where he is forced to learn humility.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Their apps seem clearly designed, much like TikTok and Candy Crush, to keep users scrolling and tapping in a hypnotic stupor.—
McKay Coppins,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2026
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Patrons — many just as panicked and some in a drunken stupor — ran by her.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Passivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passivity. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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