subservient

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word subservient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of subservient are obsequious, servile, and slavish. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

When could obsequious be used to replace subservient?

In some situations, the words obsequious and subservient are roughly equivalent. However, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When is it sensible to use servile instead of subservient?

The meanings of servile and subservient largely overlap; however, servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Where would slavish be a reasonable alternative to subservient?

The words slavish and subservient can be used in similar contexts, but slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

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 subservient These include the notion that women are responsible when the victim of a rape attack; that men are the protectors of women, who should be subservient; and that men are frequently victims of false rape claims, among other fringe beliefs he’s publicly espoused. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 Worse, their stories are generally subservient and intermittent. Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Immigrants and citizens alike of all ages should be required to pass a constitutional literacy test to maintain a distinct American culture to which all alternatives should be subservient. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025 The movement teaches that women should be subservient to their husbands and that followers should shun dancing, dating and much of pop culture, People magazine previously reported. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subservient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subservient
Adjective
  • In certain regions, combatant commands also oversee subordinate commands.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • These investments are subordinate to $51.3 million in mortgage debt.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While McTavish was the hero in the bonus session, Carlsson factored into every single goal in regulation, with a goal, two primary assists and a secondary one.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Here’s how: Social Graph Mapping: By analyzing who officials are connected to, adversaries can identify secondary targets who may have weaker defenses but high-value access — staffers, family members, assistants.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His oxygen tank sat at his knees like an obedient mastiff.
    Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Anyone who meets the gentle, obedient boy would never call him that.
    Bebe Hodges, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These methods can provide passive cash flow with proper risk management.
    Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But the common perception that international players can’t use NIL at all is wrong: Their NIL income just has to be passive income—the T-shirt sales allow the overseas portion of the Lions’ roster to benefit as well.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subservient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subservient. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on subservient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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