passive-aggressive
adjective
pas·sive-ag·gres·sive
ˈpa-siv-ə-ˈgre-siv 
: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)
It is passive-aggressive behavior, the donning of a mask of amiability that conceals raw antagonism toward one's competitors, even one's friends.—
Hilary De Vries
Hilary De VriesA passive-aggressive manager eschews open hostilities, in part because he feels distinctly uncomfortable with them.—Walter Kiechel III
Walter Kiechel III
passive-aggressive
noun
Examples of passive-aggressive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This generational envy can lead to bitterness, passive-aggressive behavior or even attempts to sabotage the person next in line.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Guitarist Tom Bukovac composed a flowing instrumental riff to open the performance, creating a little extra sweetness that helps hide the passive-aggressive venom.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 July 2025
And while some players might have publicly responded to Plum's remarks with a passive-aggressive social media message, Clark instead chose to engage in a friendly game of trolling.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
But that passive-aggressive statement that Rich Paul and Klutch Sports provided on LeBron’s behalf a couple of weeks ago, shortly after LeBron opted into the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, is the gift that keeps on giving.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Guitarist Tom Bukovac composed a flowing instrumental riff to open the performance, creating a little extra sweetness that helps hide the passive-aggressive venom.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 July 2025
And while some players might have publicly responded to Plum's remarks with a passive-aggressive social media message, Clark instead chose to engage in a friendly game of trolling.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
But that passive-aggressive statement that Rich Paul and Klutch Sports provided on LeBron’s behalf a couple of weeks ago, shortly after LeBron opted into the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, is the gift that keeps on giving.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
Cite this Entry
“Passive-aggressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive-aggressive. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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