as in resigned
receiving or enduring without offering resistance
the union rank and file were surprisingly passive about the givebacks in the new labor contract
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Another experiment on board Athena is the Laser Retro-Reflector Array (LRA) — a passive technology demonstration that doesn't require a power source or mechanical components.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Pattinson manages a fine and witty character delineation between good-hearted, passive #17 and steely, brutal #18.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
O’Neill’s suggestion that Manson was a passive, convenient puppet potentially trained in CIA tactics only develops intermittently.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
If the feds start trading those assets to hit certain allocation targets, that's not passive.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Pattinson manages a fine and witty character delineation between good-hearted, passive #17 and steely, brutal #18.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
O’Neill’s suggestion that Manson was a passive, convenient puppet potentially trained in CIA tactics only develops intermittently.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
If the feds start trading those assets to hit certain allocation targets, that's not passive.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for passive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passive
Adjective
-
Some of the more jarring sequences remain amusing despite their brashness: At one point, for example, Mickey narrates a shocking vignette—about a psychopath on Earth who printed multiple copies of himself to carry out grisly murders—with the resigned, wary tone of an office worker.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The goat had a resigned look in her eyes as the rancher pressed her udder and aimed a stream of milk into a tall cup.—
Daniel Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
His oxygen tank sat at his knees like an obedient mastiff.—
Brandon Taylor,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Anyone who meets the gentle, obedient boy would never call him that.—
Bebe Hodges,
USA TODAY,
15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
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
-
The young man’s comment was out of line, and my silence felt somehow acquiescent.—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
21 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Passive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share