subservience

noun

Definition of subserviencenext
as in servility

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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 subservience Japan may need to choose between accepting subservience to China and building up the military capacity necessary for independent deterrence. — Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026 Republican subservience is slowly beginning to wane. — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025 Ray is the leader of a biker gang and demands utter subservience. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 How does party capture — the subservience of entire systems — factor into this? — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subservience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subservience
  1. servility
  2. obsequiousness
  3. acquiescence
  4. submissiveness
  5. complaisance
  6. deference
  7. docility
Noun
  • Though the national independence be blurred by the servility of individuals, though freedom and equality have been proclaimed only to leave room for a monstrous display of slave-dealing and slave-keeping .
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of servility
Noun
  • Groypers are repelled by the obsequiousness of pro-Trump influencers who are always willing to contort themselves to support the President’s latest actions.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The obsequiousness, the sneers, the boasting, the vacant generalities, and the hand-waving bespeak fear of departing from the Trumpian orthodoxy of the moment.
    — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of obsequiousness
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
  • 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
  • The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Yet electing to be private doesn’t amount to complaisance or complicity.
    — Lesley M.M. Blume, Town & Country, 6 Dec. 2022
Definition of complaisance
Noun
  • In criticism, everything counts, including the obvious, and Nolan’s film positively invites the comparison, dressing itself—in spite of its deference to current mass-market sensibilities—in the dignity of a classic.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • So, in that regard, there is a lot of deference given to the executive branch to reach those determinations, including determinations that may be policy driven.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.
    — Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of docility

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subsequently
subservience
subserviency
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Cite this Entry

“Subservience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subservience. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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