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Definitions

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.

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

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

However, real-world contexts can also be passive, such as the environment you are in.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

It is part of a trend of adding some actively managed investment strategies to the passive indexing that has dominated target date plans, Nefouse says.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

I picked up the first box and turned to see Green still studying me, and I quickly rearranged my face into one of passive obedience.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.