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 could be along the lines of a passive-aggressive email or a coworker misunderstanding your tone.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Also, put aside your passive-aggressive attitude.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
That passive-aggressive email ruined your mood, but the feedback about your project was pretty accurate.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 25 Mar. 2026
Stellan Skarsgård captures the passive-aggressive narcissism of the artist patriarch who has much to apologize for but mostly thinks his daughters are too mean to him.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Also, put aside your passive-aggressive attitude.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
That passive-aggressive email ruined your mood, but the feedback about your project was pretty accurate.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 25 Mar. 2026
Stellan Skarsgård captures the passive-aggressive narcissism of the artist patriarch who has much to apologize for but mostly thinks his daughters are too mean to him.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
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 7 Apr. 2026.
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