Definitions

obsequious

[uhb-see-kwee-uhs] / əbˈsi kwi əs /

ADJECTIVE

groveling, submissive

Synonyms

WEAK

abject beggarly brown-nosing complacent compliable compliant cringing crouching deferential enslaved fawning flattering ingratiating kowtowing menial obeisant oily parasitic parasitical prostrate respectful servile slavish sneaking sniveling spineless stipendiary subject submissive subordinate subservient sycophantic toadying unctuous

Antonyms

WEAK

arrogant assertive brazen confident presumptuous

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.

The result for Infantino has been an obsequious presence around American officials while navigating thorny questions of U.S. foreign policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

It’s going to be this obsequious, bootlicking celebration of Alito’s brilliance.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Vance was never the first choice for even that obsequious role.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2025

You need someone who has a large ego but will be obsequious.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024

And the speed with which doors opened straight to the Colonel, the obsequious respect of that officer, the words, “The Secretary will see you now, sir,” did not remove Adam’s feeling.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Vocabulary lists containing obsequious

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