Definition of servilenext
as in humble
showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness had always maintained a servile attitude around people with money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word servile distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of servile are obsequious, slavish, and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

When might obsequious be a better fit than servile?

While in some cases nearly identical to servile, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When could slavish be used to replace servile?

The words slavish and servile can be used in similar contexts, but slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

When would subservient be a good substitute for servile?

In some situations, the words subservient and servile are roughly equivalent. However, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

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 servile Unfortunately, Trump takes servile flattery as his due. Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Of course, all of this convenient acquiescence will sound familiar in the United States, where our own Congress and Department of Justice have been nothing if not servile to a brazenly corrupt executive. Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026 That this man’s-man tough guy becomes utterly servile in the presence of a bunch of slack-casual bazillionaires is the cherry on top of the fascist sundae. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 Julia was the first weekly TV series that starred a Black woman in a role that wasn't servile. Starr Rocque, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for servile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for servile
Adjective
  • Teoscar Hernández was back from a hamstring injury, and a little bit humble.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • America's favorite investment has changed over time In 2008, as the Great Recession descended, Americans picked the humble savings account (and the certificate of deposit) as their favorite long-term investment in Gallup polls.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
  • The series centers on Cha Myung-jo, a meek worker at a company producing imitation character stickers who, despite nominally heading his household, lives in the shadow of his far more capable wife.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • The 2026 season has been an abject disaster, the sort that was more common under the previous ownership.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • The president ran on ending wars, but for the last 15 weeks, his choices have been nothing more than an abject failure.
    The Editorial Board, Daily News, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The section of Girls Like Girls that follows is its most rewarding and mature, as Coley processes her separation from Sonya by sinking herself into a menial restaurant job and hanging out with her dad.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • She’s supposed to help only with menial tasks, but often ends up helping solve mysteries that leave the police dumbfounded.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Servile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/servile. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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