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.

Dychtwald also expects that active and passive euthanasia might become openly discussed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

However, Apple was designated as a passive equity investor and didn’t take any board seats.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

"It shows that these non-pathogenic bacteria are not just passive residents but can actively manipulate human cells by injecting their proteins into our cells."

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

But Paramount has insisted that its foreign backers will only have passive roles and will not have board seats or any voting interest in the combined company.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

On the pig farm, that passive blankness returned.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

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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