Synonyms for

Submissive

Verb / sʌˈbmɪsɪv / Another word for submissive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

willing to obey or submit to someone else's authority

Synonyms & similar words

domineering subservient slavish compliant docile obedient pliable yielding meek subservient tractable deferential subordinate conformable malleable biddable manageable obsequious servile timid unassertive unresisting dutiful

Synonyms by register

Formal

obsequious deferential docile compliant

Informal

meek passive obedient trodden

Literary

servile unasserting yielding

Antonyms

dominant assertive rebellious defiant independent unyielding headstrong

Common collocations

  • submissive attitude
  • submissive behavior
  • submissive posture
  • submissive to authority
  • become submissive
  • appear submissive
  • remain submissive

Word family

noun submission
adjective submissive
adverb submissively

Usage note

Often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of will or agency. Can be used in contexts of power dynamics or personal relationships.

Example sentences

  1. The student was very submissive and always did what the teacher asked.
  2. The puppy was so submissive that it never barked or caused any trouble.
  3. The employee was very submissive and always did what the boss told him to do.
  4. The child was very submissive and always listened to his parents.
  5. The prisoner was very submissive and never caused any problems for the guards.

Quotes

  • The greatest victory is victory over oneself. - Plato
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words