adj Uncommon

submissive

suhb-MIH-sihv

Submissive (adj) means willing to obey or give in to others without resistance. Example: “The dog was submissive around its owner but aggressive with strangers.”

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adj

Willing to obey or give in to others without resistance.

"The dog was submissive around its owner but aggressive with strangers."

How to use submissive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEasily giving in to what others want, rather than asserting yourself.

Easily confused with

submission →

Common pairings

submissive behavior meek and submissive

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more submissive comparative, submissives plural, most submissive superlative

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The dog was _____ around its owner but aggressive with strangers.

Synonyms

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biddable docile meek slavish timid subservient obedient cowed

Antonyms

dominant domineering defiant rebellious

Related words

leading powerful wild proud supreme document pushing brave

Rhymes for submissive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

See all rhymes for submissive →

Frequently asked questions

What does “submissive” mean?

The word “submissive” means willing to obey or give in to others without resistance. In plain terms, easily giving in to what others want, rather than asserting yourself.

How do you pronounce “submissive”?

“Submissive” is pronounced suhb-MIH-sihv (/səbˈmɪsɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “submissive” in a sentence?

Here is “submissive” used in a sentence: “The dog was submissive around its owner but aggressive with strangers.”

What is another word for “submissive”?

Words with a similar meaning to “submissive” include biddable, docile, meek, slavish, timid and subservient.

What is the opposite of “submissive”?

The opposite of “submissive” — its antonyms — are dominant, domineering, defiant and rebellious.

What part of speech is “submissive”?

“Submissive” is an adjective.

Is “submissive” a common word?

“Submissive” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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