subservient

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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 subservient Melling conveys the paradoxical elevation of Colin’s low self-esteem through the subservient relationship with an appealing pluckiness. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 Unlike the two main parties in the United States, Fidesz holds no primaries, and it has been systematically deprived of internal diversity because all of its senior ranks are subservient to Orban. BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 Despite working in a position of power within the ecosystem of the hotel, they are still essentially subservient to all of their guests, if not significantly less well off. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025 We are not subservient to a king or anyone else out of Washington. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subservient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subservient
Adjective
  • These institutions provide checks and balances in a way that would almost seem to draw on American traditions of government — with the profound difference that all institutions in Iran are ultimately subordinate to just one power, Khamenei's.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 25 June 2025
  • Columban monasteries remained free of the control of local bishops and were instead directly subordinate to the pope.
    Bernd Roeck June 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • For several years, MLB held a draft in January and a secondary phase in June for players who had been previously drafted.
    Bodie De Silva, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Twisting the top plate to one side reveals the underlying secondary plate, which houses a pry bar, magnifying glass (for examining tiny things or for starting fires) and bottle opener.
    Ben Coxworth July 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The scale asks whether a respondent tends to prefer children who are obedient, well behaved and well mannered or children who are independent, creative and considerate.
    Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
  • Those who tend to favor obedient children are scored as having more authoritarian views.
    Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meet your new manager: software that watches, scores, and reports Modern AI systems are no longer passive dashboards.
    Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The same goes for using passive language or not taking ownership of what went wrong.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subservient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subservient. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on subservient

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