SUBMISSIVENESS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

submissiveness

noun

Definition of submissiveness

as in obedience

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others his uncharacteristic submissiveness to the doctor's advice must mean he's really sick

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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 submissiveness 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submissiveness

Noun

Views on gender equality were elicited through questions on polygamy, wifely obedience, and giving priority to men in politics, the job market, and education.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Now, the Department has decided that obedience supersedes all else, requiring us to abdicate our legal and ethical obligations in favor of directions from Washington.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of obedience

Noun

There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Their acquiescence to this encroachment on their powers has made these politicians increasingly dependent on a dysfunctional national government.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of acquiescence

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submissively

submissiveness

submit

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“Submissiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submissiveness. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of submissiveness

noun

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