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subservient

Q: How is the word 'subservient' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of subservient are obsequious , servile , and slavish . While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position. // domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

Q: When could 'obsequious' be used to replace 'subservient'?

In some situations, the words obsequious and subservient are roughly equivalent. However, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner. // waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

Q: When is it sensible to use 'servile' instead of 'subservient'?

The meanings of servile and subservient largely overlap; however, servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave. // a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Q: Where would 'slavish' be a reasonable alternative to 'subservient'?

The words slavish and subservient can be used in similar contexts, but slavish suggests abject or debased servility. // the slavish status of migrant farm workers

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Synonyms & Antonyms of subservient

1 very willing to obey someone else

She was an equal partner in the marriage and not a subservient wife.

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for subservient

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for subservient

insurgent,
mutinous

2 having a less important role, job, or place as something else

The employees used to build things by hand but now were subservient to automated equipment that handled much of production.

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for subservient

ancillary,
inferior

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for subservient

Frequently Asked Questions About subservient

How is the word subservient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of subservient are obsequious, servile, and slavish. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

When could obsequious be used to replace subservient?

In some situations, the words obsequious and subservient are roughly equivalent. However, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities