Definitions

docile

[dos-uhl, doh-sahyl] / ˈdɒs əl, ˈdoʊ saɪl /

ADJECTIVE

compliant, submissive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

easygoing gentle laid-back meek obedient pliable pliant well-behaved

WEAK

accommodating acquiescent adaptable agreeable amenable biddable childlike complacent cool docious ductile easily influenced easy governable humble manageable mellow mild obliging orderly quiet resigned soft tame teachable tractable usable weak-kneed willing yielding

Antonyms

WEAK

determined headstrong inflexible intractable obstinate opinionated stubborn uncooperative unyielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At other times, Jeremy is sweet and docile, playing the big brother role with no difficulty.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

This time they touched down on the back of a thumping 3-0 one-day defeat in New Zealand and criticism over scheduling -- just a single three-day red-ball warm-up on a docile pitch.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

“And boy, if my memory serves, those droids were there just to serve humanity; so docile, nothing frightening about them.”

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025

Mark is taller and brighter than Darren but infinitely more docile and far less street-smart.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025

He docs as he’s told, kicking off his shoes and lying back on the bed, docile as a sick child.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Vocabulary lists containing docile

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Grade 10, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!