Synonyms for
Passive
Definition
not reacting to something that would normally cause a response; lacking in energy or willpower
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- passive voice
- passive resistance
- passive income
- passive aggressive
- passive observation
- passive smoking
- passive transport
Word family
Usage note
Often used in grammar to describe sentence structure where the subject receives the action. In social contexts, it can imply a lack of initiative or a tendency to yield to others.
Compare "passive" with another word →
Example sentences
- The cat was passive and just lay in the sun all day.
- He was too passive to speak up for himself.
- She had a passive attitude towards her work and didn't put in much effort.
- The teacher had a hard time engaging the passive students.
- His passive behavior made it difficult to work with him.
Quotes
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. - Plato
We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. - Maya Angelou