Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of passive are idle, inactive, inert, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When might idle be a better fit than passive?

While in some cases nearly identical to passive, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When can inactive be used instead of passive?

Although the words inactive and passive have much in common, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

Where would inert be a reasonable alternative to passive?

While the synonyms inert and passive are close in meaning, inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

When is supine a more appropriate choice than passive?

The words supine and passive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

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 passive But passive habitat protection is not enough, conservationists argue. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025 At the same time, Tesla’s addition to the S&P 500 in December of 2020 forced a wave of institutional buying, including large buys from passive index funds. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 5 June 2025 TikTok’s ability to turn passive listening into participation is what sets it apart. Tasbeeh Herwees, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025 This could add pressure to your ability and desire to turn your passions into something sustainable, such as passive income or a new investment opportunity. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for passive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passive
Adjective
  • His resigned air in the press conference felt like a man who had too much to juggle to cross over the line first.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In recent weeks, a number of artists canceled planned appearances and resigned positions associated with the center.
    Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Those who tend to favor obedient children are scored as having more authoritarian views.
    Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
  • They’re done being obedient to an archaic and broken system.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Where Chelsea’s domestic overseers have been largely acquiescent to their accounting ingenuity, the same can’t be said abroad.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu appears convinced that his country’s security, along with his own political survival, depends on prolonging the military offensives and keeping both Gaza and Lebanon ungovernable, and therefore acquiescent.
    Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Passive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on passive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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