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.

Jay Woods, chief strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, sees this as potentially dangerous for passive investors as well.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

"We use that same principle to advance the salts to the passive region."

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Assuming SpaceX does get a quick entry into the S&P 500 index, passive funds tracking it, the Russell 1000 and Nasdaq 100 could need to buy 24% of SpaceX’s public shares, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

"There's been plenty of coverage that the club was passive during this period. And that's absolutely not true," insisted Venkatesham.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

The passive allows him to do so because the agent can be left unmentioned, which is impossible in the active voice.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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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