submissive

[suhb-mis-iv] / səbˈmɪs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

compliant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accommodating deferential dutiful meek obedient passive

WEAK

abject acquiescent amenable bowing down comformable complying docile domesticated giving-in humble ingratiating lowly malleable menial nonresistant nonresisting obeisant obeying obsequious patient pliable pliant resigned servile slavish subdued tame tractable uncomplaining unresisting yes yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disobedient immodest

WEAK

fighting intractable resistant unyielding

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.

She said Adusah was shouting and Charmain was submissive.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Its subtitle, about awakening and survival, underlines Mrie’s trajectory from submissive daughter to political actor and skilled observer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Judges in places like Massachusetts were customarily paid by appropriation of the colonial legislature, which could withhold or delay payment to judges thought too submissive to British interests.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2025

There are "tradwives," who cosplay submissive housewives on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2024

I couldn’t afford to be submissive anymore, not with Otto unprotected.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

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