TRACTABLE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of tractable are amenable , docile , and obedient . While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing. // tractable animals

Q: When might 'amenable' be a better fit than 'tractable'?

While the synonyms amenable and tractable are close in meaning, 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: Where would 'docile' be a reasonable alternative to 'tractable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tractable , docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance. // a docile child

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

The words obedient and tractable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority. // obedient to the government

tractable

adjective

ˈtrak-tə-bəl

Definition of tractable next

as in obedient

readily giving in to the command or authority of another put the dog in obedience classes, with the hopes of making her a little more tractable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tractable are amenable, docile, and obedient. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

When might amenable be a better fit than tractable?

While the synonyms amenable and tractable are close in meaning, 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

Where would docile be a reasonable alternative to tractable?

While in some cases nearly identical to tractable, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When would obedient be a good substitute for tractable?

The words obedient and tractable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

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 tractable The research team developed a route-planning system for Astrobee, the ISS’s robotic assistant, that leverages sequential convex programming—a method that decomposes complex trajectory planning into smaller, tractable steps while guaranteeing safety and feasibility. —

Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025 This provided a simple, genetically tractable model to test whether NAD⁺ could fix RNA splicing errors caused by tau and identify any genes affected. —

New Atlas, 12 Nov. 2025 Until recently, their goal has been to attack the more tractable pure delivery market with a custom delivery robot about half the size of traditional cars. —

Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 These prove out Fielder’s intuition that aviation safety depends on candid cockpit conversation, a particularly high-stakes—and, crucially, perhaps tractable—example of Fielder’s over-all preoccupation with the fear and anxiety that inhibits genuine communication. —

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tractable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tractable

obedient

Adjective

The audience would do well to stay attuned to this goal — and how obedient Nat is willing to be.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The Intelligence Age doesn’t require obedient workers.

— Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026