as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another it's not in her nature to be submissive
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of submissive Its subtitle, about awakening and survival, underlines Mrie’s trajectory from submissive daughter to political actor and skilled observer. —
Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Carroll County needs leadership, not submissive accountants dutifully sharpening the axe. —Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 In the dark romantic comedy-drama, True Blood alum Skarsgård, 49, plays tough biker Ray, who enters into a dominant-submissive relationship with Colin (Melling), a shy and directionless man who sings in a barbershop quartet. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Usually, guys with power like to be submissive and are bottoms. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for submissive
Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Carroll County needs leadership, not submissive accountants dutifully sharpening the axe. —Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 In the dark romantic comedy-drama, True Blood alum Skarsgård, 49, plays tough biker Ray, who enters into a dominant-submissive relationship with Colin (Melling), a shy and directionless man who sings in a barbershop quartet. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Usually, guys with power like to be submissive and are bottoms. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for submissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submissive
Adjective
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Just think of all those vacant Madonnas, structurally perfect compositions, and obedient daydreams of antiquity.— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
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Always obedient, Agnes happily welcomes Daisy despite Shu’s warnings.— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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New and current producers can also find resources on the DCC website, which helps navigate applying for a license, remaining compliant, understanding cannabis labor laws and more.— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
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Closures may impact some handicapped parking spaces, but staff will designate an equal number of temporary ADA-compliant spaces for use, officials said.— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sanjar and other biologists don gloves and gingerly place a somewhat docile possum in a harness normally used by dog groomers when trimming nails.— Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
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Leave some patches of empty ground for docile, ground-dwelling bees that are important pollinators.— Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Submissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/submissive. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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