DOCILE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'docile' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of docile are amenable , obedient , and tractable . While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance. // a docile child

Q: When can 'amenable' be used instead of 'docile'?

The words amenable and docile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness. // amenable to new ideas

Q: In what contexts can 'obedient' take the place of 'docile'?

The synonyms obedient and docile are sometimes interchangeable, but obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority. // obedient to the government

Q: When would 'tractable' be a good substitute for 'docile'?

The words tractable and docile can be used in similar contexts, but tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing. // tractable animals

docile

adjective

ˈdä-səl

Definition of docile next

as in obedient

readily giving in to the command or authority of another a docile young pony that went wherever it was led

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How is the word docile different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of docile are amenable, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When can amenable be used instead of docile?

The words amenable and docile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.

amenable to new ideas

In what contexts can obedient take the place of docile?

The synonyms obedient and docile are sometimes interchangeable, but obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When would tractable be a good substitute for docile?

The words tractable and docile can be used in similar contexts, but tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of docile In telling after telling, Dorothy is presented as the docile marionette of whatever man’s pulling her strings at the moment. —

Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026 Casually dressed couples explore the labyrinthine citrus groves, but the rhythm here seems deliciously docile—guests go from hammam to Aperol, afternoon snooze to dinner. —

Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 Women and dogs were domesticated together, in other words — made to be docile, to do as they’re told. —

Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025 Which would be a good docile breed? —

Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for docile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for docile

obedient

Adjective

The Intelligence Age doesn’t require obedient workers.

— Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The generals reduced even their limited need for an obedient prime minister.

— Mohammed Hanif, Time, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of obedient

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docents

docile

docility

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“Docile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docile. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of docile

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