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
That's two passive-aggressive glances from the mom behind you wrangling a toddler and a bag of Goldfish crackers.
—Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
The eye-rolls, the silent sighs, the passive-aggressive chats about the younger employees.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
And at just $15, no more passive-aggressive comments from your travel partner about putting your shoes back on.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
But for most people, the worst consequence is a passive-aggressive reminder to follow all crew instructions.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive-aggressive
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Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
The eye-rolls, the silent sighs, the passive-aggressive chats about the younger employees.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
And at just $15, no more passive-aggressive comments from your travel partner about putting your shoes back on.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
But for most people, the worst consequence is a passive-aggressive reminder to follow all crew instructions.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 12 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.
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