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
Without realizing it, the relationship can start to operate like a system of emotional over-functioning and under-functioning, where one person takes more responsibility for the emotional health of the relationship, while the other slowly disappears into passivity.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
For Arkel Benitez, a Guatemalan security analyst and lawyer, the problem is that what’s visible in the videos circulating is, at best, passivity by Guatemalan police and soldiers and, at worst, collusion in the face of something that was an obvious threat to Guatemalan citizens.
—Edgar H. Clemente, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Influence Requires Intentionality, Not Approval Strategic influence doesn’t mean people-pleasing or passivity.
—Yann Dang, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Curry’s passivity to start games, and his turnovers, have been complicit in the Warriors’ sputtering offense.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for passivity
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
For Arkel Benitez, a Guatemalan security analyst and lawyer, the problem is that what’s visible in the videos circulating is, at best, passivity by Guatemalan police and soldiers and, at worst, collusion in the face of something that was an obvious threat to Guatemalan citizens.
—Edgar H. Clemente, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Influence Requires Intentionality, Not Approval Strategic influence doesn’t mean people-pleasing or passivity.
—Yann Dang, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Curry’s passivity to start games, and his turnovers, have been complicit in the Warriors’ sputtering offense.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for passivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passivity
Noun
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The federal government’s success in strong-arming Ryan to resign and the UVA Board’s acquiescence to it have been viewed by higher education officials as one more alarming step by the Trump administration to strip away university autonomy and self-governance.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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Too many have chosen the politics of non-engagement, which is at best a hair’s breadth away from acquiescence or complicity.—
Kamila Shamsie
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Changes to the workflow, organizational structure and practices are almost always resisted at first, and focusing on the competitive advantage alone may not be sufficient to overcome the adoption resistance inertia.—
Vibhu Sharma,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Turbulent, yet stuck in a state of inertia, fighting off possible sanctions and regression on the pitch.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Winfrey attributes voter apathy to several uncontested races.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
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Let his voice break through the noise of apathy and propaganda, reminding us all of our capacity for good.—
Mark Temnycky,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 July 2025
Noun
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My testimony noted that while legislators will no longer be able to pass ambiguous laws with the expectation that agencies’ interpretations will get deference, Congress will not necessarily have to write statutory language that is detailed and prescriptive.—
Susan E. Dudley,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Trump’s own messaging around Gaza — that there is a genuine humanitarian crisis on the ground but that Israel deserves deference to operate — is reflective of the differing views among his own supporters.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Jim Collins, in his research on Level 5 Leadership, pointed out that the most impactful leaders blend personal humility with strong professional drive.—
Wilson Luna,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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On its face, there are few problems more Champagne than that, but McNally renders this fact with refreshing humility.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Ozzy canceled shows, or performed in a stupor, and sometimes attacked his bandmates.—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
26 July 2025
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Symptoms of the more serious illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, according to the CDC.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
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However, a pick for Chimaev to win via early submission is not out of line.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Epic said the average employee works between 44 and 45 hours a week, based on monthly time sheet submissions between June 2024 and June 2025.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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People experiencing more severe infections may also suffer high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in their urine.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
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Foods high in the amino acid tryptophan (like milk, turkey, chicken, lobster, and certain types of nuts) can also increase lethargy, according to Dr. Ganjhu.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Passivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passivity. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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