PASSIVITY Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

passivity

noun

Definition of passivity

as in acquiescence

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in inertia

Related Words

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

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

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
The air temperature did not change much, probably due to the thermal inertia of the surrounding water.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of inertia

Noun

Dementia can also cause behavioral symptoms such as confusion, apathy, personality changes, anxiety and depression.

— Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
That apathy paid off as the stock quickly peaked out at $219, collapsed a few months later to $80 during the depths of the 2022 tech crash.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 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

Browse Nearby Words

passiveness

passivity

pass muster

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Style

“Passivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passivity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of passivity

noun

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