submissively

adverb

Definition of submissivelynext
as in humbly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion all of the extended family was expected to be submissively amenable to the matriarch's wishes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 submissively Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submissively
  1. humbly
  2. meekly
  3. politely
  4. sheepishly
  5. deferentially
Adverb
  • Knopf humbly acknowledges Visit Orlando and Orlando Health’s role in lifting our community’s boats with a veritable tidal wave of funding, as well as the diners who participate.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This time, France is the favorite (no matter what their coach Didier Deschamps humbly claims).
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026
Definition of humbly
Adverb
  • When Luke tells him, meekly, not to touch Crystal, Max only wants to know who the young man is.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Sincere meekly hands her a flower from his pocket and sits down, appearing penitent.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of meekly
Adverb
  • Most failures are administrative, and most people fix them when asked politely.
    — George Kapernaros, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Early automotive lamps were less like searchlights and more like dim lanterns politely suggesting that there may or may not be a vehicle present.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • Green looked sheepishly at Linkof, who gave him the green light to spill the beans.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026
  • But their erotic encounter is short-lived, as Joe tumbles and blows his back out while sheepishly dancing to Sade.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of sheepishly
Adverb
  • Precedent thus gave the judge reason to deferentially review settlement terms.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026
  • Scorsese shoots them beautifully and deferentially.
    — Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of deferentially

Browse Nearby Words

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submissively
submissiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Submissively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submissively. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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