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.

In his months on the panel last fall, he has shown an independent streak compared with some of his predecessors, who brought a more passive style to the post.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The next blockbuster IPOs may force investors to confront an uncomfortable truth: Index investing is not nearly as passive as many assume.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Jay Woods, chief strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, sees this as potentially dangerous for passive investors as well.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Zverev's defeat in their French Open semi-final last year was another stark illustration of how he is often too passive in big matches.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

But there was no spokesman for the whole, it was headless, passive.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

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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