as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another
it's not in her nature to be submissive
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Example Sentences
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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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Accessibility The hotel is fully compliant with ADA standards, and has five accessible Deluxe rooms designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility and disabilities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
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Managing your blood pressure requires home monitoring, regular doctor's visits, and staying compliant with your medications.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Westinghouse’s creations, named Herbert Televox, Karina Van Televox, Telelux, Rastus, Willie Vocalite, and Elektro, were promoted as docile domestic workers.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
21 Apr. 2026
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But while many of the giant creatures appear docile, tourists and locals could find themselves in an extremely dangerous situation if a wild rhino feels threatened.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Submissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submissive. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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