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.

It’s no easy task commanding attention in such a passive role, but Wydra does just that.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

"Strategically, this will harden Abu Dhabi's view that passive defence is not enough," Krieg said.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

"These barriers are not just passive features of the landscape," Gong explained.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Bogle’s big insight was not that a passive index of the entire market provided magically better returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The passive allows a writer to postpone the mention of a doer that is heavy, old news, or both.

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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