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 war with Iran shows why congressional passivity is especially dangerous. — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026 Political leaders and regulators have failed in parallel, whether through misunderstanding, passivity, or fascination with the technology itself. — Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026 At times this novel reminded me of Sophie Kemp’s Paradise Logic, because Newton is similarly interested in the more deranging aspects of heterosexual coupling, and a certain kind of femme passivity. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 Advantages Over ‘Shark Skin’ Processing The strength of DMR's aerodynamic drag reduction lies in its extremely high passivity and omni-directional nature. — Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 24 May 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
  • With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • At this moment, complete inertia, helplessness, or escape seemed to be the only ways to react, but Zionism offered a strategy for coping with the changing circumstances, a strategy that had begun with Theodor Herzl.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While the world security situation transforms at breakneck speed, the shipping industry, along with the maritime regulators and economic policymakers that back the merchant marine seem stuck, trapped in age-old bureaucratic inertia.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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
  • McGilvray also thinks apathy will be widespread for this special primary so the local Republican Party is trying to get word out.
    — Debbie Elliott, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Most appalling to Graham is our collective inertia, not to say apathy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of apathy
Noun
  • Similarly, Sweeney was unpersuaded by NCAA legal arguments that, as a private, membership association, it is owed deference in making business judgments before findings of antitrust liability.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Without Chevron, courts have more power to decide what Congress meant in a statute and don’t have to give deference to a regulatory agency’s judgment.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • 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
  • Despite his relative passiveness, Brighton’s collective structure is strong.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of passiveness
Noun
  • Research by Harvard Business School found that advice seekers are often perceived as more competent because asking thoughtful questions signals humility, confidence, and a desire to improve.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Now, after White delivers a prepared speech invoking hatred, fear mongering, divisiveness, love, grace, humility and Michelle Obama, the media reaction is that everyone really wishes outsiders would stop bringing non-basketball issues into the WNBA.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • The sense is of a political culture reluctantly shaking off a decades-long stupor.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • The severe strain of the virus often presents as a fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of passivity for Spanish Speakers

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