Synonyms of servile

servile

adjective

ˈsər-vəl 

as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness

had always maintained a servile attitude around people with money

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humble
• meek
• abject
• menial
• slavish
• base
• sheepish
• hangdog
• sycophantic
• lamblike
• unassuming
• modest
• lowly
• fawning
• retiring
• demure
• unpretentious
• sycophant
• toadyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• arrogant
• haughty
• supercilious
• superior
• imperious
• uppity
• lordly
• high-handed

Synonym Chooser

How is the word servile distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of servile are obsequious, slavish, and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

When might obsequious be a better fit than servile?

While in some cases nearly identical to servile, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When could slavish be used to replace servile?

The words slavish and servile can be used in similar contexts, but slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

When would subservient be a good substitute for servile?

In some situations, the words subservient and servile are roughly equivalent. However, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of servile

Earlier this year, my colleague and bud Kelefa Sanneh suggested that music critics, as a lot, have gone soft—becoming submissive, overly agreeable, and, in some cases, nearly servile. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Bahrain is ruled by Sunnis and has a mostly Shiite population permanently restless over its servile condition. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025

His servile defense secretary has threatened to deploy the military in other cities. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2025

So Alex dons a uniform, buses tables and engages in servile labor for the first time in her life. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 23 Mar. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!