passivity

noun

Definition of passivitynext
1
as in acquiescence

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in inertia

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Dissimilar Words

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 passivity Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House. — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The war with Iran shows why congressional passivity is especially dangerous. — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026 Political leaders and regulators have failed in parallel, whether through misunderstanding, passivity, or fascination with the technology itself. — Christopher Marquis, Time, 30 May 2026 At times this novel reminded me of Sophie Kemp’s Paradise Logic, because Newton is similarly interested in the more deranging aspects of heterosexual coupling, and a certain kind of femme passivity. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for passivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passivity
  1. acquiescence
  2. inertia
  3. submissiveness
  4. apathy
  5. deference
  6. passiveness
  7. humility
  8. stupor
Noun
  • Oil has long funded the Gulf’s expensive social contract, in which governments provide citizens with cushy jobs and high-quality services in return for political acquiescence.
    — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
  • With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • Save Our Voices Now’s Parliament petition has amassed more than 4,000 signatures, but the early indications are that the campaign has been met with inertia rather than action.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of inertia
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • The result, says Roya, is deepening apathy among her fellow citizens, whose preoccupation now is just getting by.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The moms Naturepedic surveyed simply want to do fewer chores—that means that partners and kids really need to step it up to make sure everyone is pulling their weight around the house, not just leaving it all to mom out of apathy.
    — Parents, Parents, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of apathy
Noun
  • For journalists, practicing deference and yielding authority are necessary steps when repairing relationships in communities that have experienced historical harm.
    — Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The president, himself a billionaire, has described his inclination toward appointing the ultrawealthy as deference to financial success.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • The little girl could be heard well over a rowdy crowd that had about been lulled into passiveness — and eventually, boos in the fifth round — in the humdrum title fight.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Despite his relative passiveness, Brighton’s collective structure is strong.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of passiveness
Noun
  • Partly from working alongside leaders who lead with curiosity, connection and humility.
    — Susan Parsons, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • When asked about the efforts during an interview with Gayle King, Parton brushed it off with her usual humility.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • Patients may experience a very high fever, headaches, neck pain, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness and other serious symptoms.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Fernández’s theory is that Mark must have told the women the code to his safe in his pliant stupor.
    — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of stupor

Browse Nearby Words

passiveness
passivity
pass muster
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Cite this Entry

“Passivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passivity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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