submissive

[ suhb-mis-iv ]

adjective

1. inclined or ready to submit or yield to the authority of another; unresistingly or humbly obedient:

   submissive servants.

   Synonyms: amenable, pliant, compliant, tractable

   Antonyms: disobedient, rebellious

2. marked by or indicating submission or a yielding to the authority of another:

   a submissive reply.

   Synonyms: subdued, tame, docile, patient, resigned, passive

noun

1. alsocalledcomma Informal, sub. the participant in a BDSM sexual encounter or relationship who is obedient, giving power and control to another participant.

submissive

/ səbˈmɪsɪv /

adjective

1. of, tending towards, or indicating submission, humility, or servility

Derived Forms

• subˈmissiveness, noun
• subˈmissively, adverb

Other Word Forms

• sub·missive·ly adverb
• sub·missive·ness noun
• nonsub·missive adjective
• nonsub·missive·ly adverb
• nonsub·missive·ness noun
• quasi-sub·missive adjective
• quasi-sub·missive·ly adverb
• unsub·missive adjective
• unsub·missive·ly adverb
• unsub·missive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of submissive¹

First recorded in 1580–90; submiss + -ive

Example Sentences

But I don’t think most people are being willfully submissive to tech, only that they seek beauty in the wrong places.

From Salon

But the political and cultural ramifications of their messaging, which includes urging young women to accept a "submissive" role in marriage and overt support for the Trump agenda, are impossible to miss.

From Salon

It's one that Republican women have often tried to minimize by leaning into a "tradwife" aesthetic, hoping that a submissive voice and affect could distract from their ambition.

From Salon

Hegseth belongs to a radically right-wing church that teaches women were created to be men's submissive helpmeets, and certainly not to have jobs, especially military jobs, outside of the home.

From Salon

It's unlikely that women will encounter tradwife content and decide to quit their jobs to be submissive housewives.

From Salon

Related Words

• accommodating
• deferential
• dutiful
• meek
• obedient
• passive