Definitions

passive

[pas-iv] / ˈpæs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

lifeless, inactive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic indifferent laid-back nonviolent quiet static unflappable uninvolved

STRONG

bearing cool flat idle long-suffering patient yielding

WEAK

acquiescent asleep compliant docile enduring forbearing going through motions hands off inert latent moony motionless nonresistant phlegmatic poker-faced quiescent receptive resigned sleepy stolid submissive tractable unassertive unresisting walking through it

Antonyms

STRONGEST

caring concerned interested

STRONG

agitated impatient

WEAK

active dynamic lively

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.

Fat cells, also called adipocytes, are often viewed as passive storage containers for excess calories.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

In TCM, Turner created a viewing experience that wasn’t simply passive but curated, designed to educate and cultivate appreciation for bygone eras of filmmaking.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Buy the biggest, most obvious stocks that the large passive funds will be obliged to invest in because, if the theme works, these heavyweights will make money rather, the advice goes.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

The average passive bond ETF’s annual fee is 0.24% compared with 0.45% for the average active bond ETF fee, according to Morningstar.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Now we see the other major benefit of the passive: it allows the doer to be mentioned later in the sentence than the done-to.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing passive

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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 5

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!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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!