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.

Dimensional Fund Advisors, which advocates passive investing, studied actively managed stock mutual funds between 1991 and 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

These results show that astrocytes are not passive helpers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Overall, passive indexed mutual funds and ETFs received $232.9 billion in new money, and active funds only $97.6 billion.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The company has said the updated rules are meant to ensure the Nasdaq-100 “remains timely and representative” of the market, and to allow passive managers to easily replicate the index.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

While Columbia was relatively passive, Olaf was very aggressive.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Vocabulary lists containing passive

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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