submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmi-siv 

: submitting to others

submissive employees

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

Synonyms

• amenable
• biddable
• compliant
• conformable
• docile
• law-abiding
• obedient
• tractable

Examples of submissive in a Sentence

it's not in her nature to be submissive

Recent Examples on the Web

All delve into the complexities of dominant/submissive relationships where individuals explore and negotiate power dynamics in a consensual and safe manner. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025

In 2018, the author Addison Cain filed a takedown notice against the author Zoey Ellis, accusing her of ripping off Cain’s lupine society of aggressive Alphas and submissive Omegas. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025

The book equates being female with being submissive. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

Over time, this dynamic creates a destructive loop, with the dominant partner tightening their grip and the submissive losing their sense of self. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: inclined or willing to submit to others : yielding

submissively adverb

submissiveness noun

Etymology

from Latin submissus, past participle of submittere "to let down," from sub- "under, below" and mittere "to send, throw" — related to message

Medical Definition

submissive

adjective

sub·​mis·​sive səb-ˈmis-iv 

: characterized by tendencies to yield to the will or authority of others

bullying usually involves a stronger, more dominant personality coercing a weaker, more submissive personality

—S. W. Twemlow et al.

submissiveness noun