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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.

PE firms and other such assets can come with higher fees than passive funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

However, real-world contexts can also be passive, such as the environment you are in.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

Paramount has described the funds as largely passive investors, saying the royal families would not have input into corporate decision-making.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It is clearly time for me to step boldly into our society, not in the boring, passive manner of the Myrna Minkoff school of social action, but with great style and zest.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.