Definitions

obsequious

[uhb-see-kwee-uhs] / əbˈsi kwi əs /

ADJECTIVE

groveling, submissive

Synonyms

WEAK

abject beggarly brown-nosing complacent compliable compliant cringing crouching deferential enslaved fawning flattering ingratiating kowtowing menial obeisant oily parasitic parasitical prostrate respectful servile slavish sneaking sniveling spineless stipendiary subject submissive subordinate subservient sycophantic toadying unctuous

Antonyms

WEAK

arrogant assertive brazen confident presumptuous

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.

The result for Infantino has been an obsequious presence around American officials while navigating thorny questions of U.S. foreign policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

It’s going to be this obsequious, bootlicking celebration of Alito’s brilliance.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Vance was never the first choice for even that obsequious role.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2025

Last month's Nato summit in The Hague was an exercise in obsequious courtship.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2025

Her tentacle arms were a part of the sucking, obsequious water.

From "Beowulf: A New Telling" by Robert Nye

Vocabulary lists containing obsequious

100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know

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!

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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!

Othello

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!