passive

[pas-iv] / ˈpæs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

lifeless, inactive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic indifferent laid-back nonviolent quiet static unflappable uninvolved

STRONG

bearing cool flat idle long-suffering patient yielding

WEAK

acquiescent asleep compliant docile enduring forbearing going through motions hands off inert latent moony motionless nonresistant phlegmatic poker-faced quiescent receptive resigned sleepy stolid submissive tractable unassertive unresisting walking through it

Antonyms

STRONGEST

caring concerned interested

STRONG

agitated impatient

WEAK

active dynamic lively

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.

PE firms and other such assets can come with higher fees than passive funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

These results show that astrocytes are not passive helpers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Overall, passive indexed mutual funds and ETFs received $232.9 billion in new money, and active funds only $97.6 billion.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Water technology made us passive water savers with devices like low-flush toilets, without too much sacrifice or even awareness on our part.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Sounds of revelry traveled to him at night from the officers’ club and kept him awake often as he turned and tossed on his cot in passive, half-voluntary exile.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing passive

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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