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.

It’s no easy task commanding attention in such a passive role, but Wydra does just that.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

"Strategically, this will harden Abu Dhabi's view that passive defence is not enough," Krieg said.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

On a never-ending feed we watch the cute and profane, sleepwalking toward an emotional state beyond shock as entertainment: the banality of passive consumption.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

While passive, follow-the-index strategies that Vanguard helped popularize have become dominant in stocks, many investors still favor active funds in the more-complex bond markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

I saw nothing, just Kato being Kato—harmless and passive.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

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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