SUBMISSIVELY Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

submissively

adverb

Definition of submissively

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

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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

Adverb

This time, France is the favorite (no matter what their coach Didier Deschamps humbly claims).

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026
The restaurant from Yao and co-owners Ryan Bailey and Nikki Reginaldo began humbly, as did its beverage program.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026

Definition of humbly

Adverb

Contreras, to his credit, came out and pleaded his case politely after interim manager Chad Tracy had a conversation with the umpire.

— Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Your perspective is changing, but choosing to stay politely objective or undecided will no longer suffice, Libra.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Definition of politely

Adverb

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
This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

Definition of sheepishly

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submissive

submissively

submissiveness

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“Submissively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submissively. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of submissively

adverb

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