Need another word for Submissive? Use these synonyms of Submissive from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
obedient
compliant
deferential
submissive
yielding
acquiescent
passive
docile
tame
meek
mild
humble
obedient
dutiful
respectful
reverent
compliant
accommodating
cooperative
conciliatory
appeasing
placating
surrendering
relinquishing
resigning
unresisting
nonresistant
gentle
lamblike
subdued
quiet
unassertive
unassuming
self-effacing
modest
demure
bashful
shy
retiring
diffident
timid
fearful
cowardly
cringing
fawning
sycophantic
obsequious
servile
slavish
abject
groveling
supine
prostrate
prone
Meaning of Submissive
The primary meaning of "submissive" is showing a willingness to accept and obey the authority or control of someone or something.
Definitions
- Willing to obey or be controlled by someone or something else
- Showing a willingness to accept and obey the authority or control of someone or something
- Inclined to accept orders or instructions without protest or resistance
Etymology of Submissive
The word "submissive" has its roots in the Latin words "sub" (meaning under or below) and "missio" or "mittere" (meaning to send or let go), with the past participle "submissus" (meaning sent under or let go under)
The word entered the English language in the 15th century, initially meaning "to send under" or "to let go under", and eventually developed its modern meaning of showing a willingness to accept and obey authority or control
Example Uses
- The submissive employee rarely questioned the decisions of her manager.
- The dog was very submissive and would roll over on command.
- She had a submissive personality and found it difficult to express her own opinions.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
dominant
assertive
aggressive
forceful
powerful
strong
fierce
ferocious
savage
brutal
violent
resistant
defiant
disobedient
rebellious
insurgent
mutinous
recalcitrant
refractory
intractable
uncooperative
uncompliant
resistant
stubborn
obstinate
headstrong
willful
unyielding
uncompromising
unrelenting