as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another
it's not in her nature to be submissive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 submissive
Carroll County needs leadership, not submissive accountants dutifully sharpening the axe.
—
Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
In the dark romantic comedy-drama, True Blood alum Skarsgård, 49, plays tough biker Ray, who enters into a dominant-submissive relationship with Colin (Melling), a shy and directionless man who sings in a barbershop quartet.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Usually, guys with power like to be submissive and are bottoms.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Earlier this year, my colleague and bud Kelefa Sanneh suggested that music critics, as a lot, have gone soft—becoming submissive, overly agreeable, and, in some cases, nearly servile.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for submissive
Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
In the dark romantic comedy-drama, True Blood alum Skarsgård, 49, plays tough biker Ray, who enters into a dominant-submissive relationship with Colin (Melling), a shy and directionless man who sings in a barbershop quartet.
—Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Usually, guys with power like to be submissive and are bottoms.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Earlier this year, my colleague and bud Kelefa Sanneh suggested that music critics, as a lot, have gone soft—becoming submissive, overly agreeable, and, in some cases, nearly servile.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for submissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submissive
Adjective
-
Tariffs could be 'hard sell' in election year How obedient will the congressional GOP be to Trump in an election year?—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The audience would do well to stay attuned to this goal — and how obedient Nat is willing to be.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The move follows Australia’s decision to become the world’s first country to legislate a social media ban for under-16s, with fines for non-compliant platforms of up to $32 million.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The facility had no compliant metal stem thermometer available.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Deer are very docile animals and are simply looking for sustenance in terms of food and water.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Why are Japanese crowds so docile?—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Submissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submissive. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
