submissive

[suhb-mis-iv] / səbˈmɪs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

compliant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accommodating deferential dutiful meek obedient passive

WEAK

abject acquiescent amenable bowing down comformable complying docile domesticated giving-in humble ingratiating lowly malleable menial nonresistant nonresisting obeisant obeying obsequious patient pliable pliant resigned servile slavish subdued tame tractable uncomplaining unresisting yes yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disobedient immodest

WEAK

fighting intractable resistant unyielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She said Adusah was shouting and Charmain was submissive.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Its subtitle, about awakening and survival, underlines Mrie’s trajectory from submissive daughter to political actor and skilled observer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

But I don’t think most people are being willfully submissive to tech, only that they seek beauty in the wrong places.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Judges in places like Massachusetts were customarily paid by appropriation of the colonial legislature, which could withhold or delay payment to judges thought too submissive to British interests.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2025

In the hope of being thus asked he had to tag along, patient and submissive.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Vocabulary lists containing submissive

100 Top "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Power Prefix: sub-

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Send a Message: Mit and Miss

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!