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Definitions

subservience

[suhb-sur-vee-uhns] / səbˈsɜr vi əns /
NOUN
dependence/dependency
Synonyms
WEAK
attachment contingency habit helplessness hook inability security blanket servility subjection subordination vulnerability weakness yoke
Antonyms
WEAK
freedom independence strength subtraction want
NOUN
humility
Synonyms
STRONGEST
shyness
STRONG
abasement bashfulness demureness diffidence docility lowliness meekness mortification nonresistance obedience obsequiousness passiveness reserve resignation self-abasement self-abnegation servility sheepishness subjection submissiveness timidity timorousness unobtrusiveness unpretentiousness
WEAK
fawning lack of pride
Antonyms
STRONG
boldness confidence
WEAK
arrogance assertiveness egoism pretentiousness pride self-importance
NOUN
obedience
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquiescence conformity deference orderliness reverence
STRONG
accordance agreement compliance docility dutifulness duty manageability meekness observance quietness respect servility submission tameness tractability willingness
WEAK
conformability duteousness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreement disregard
STRONG
fight
WEAK
bad behavior disobedience misbehavior mischief mutiny rebellion
NOUN
submissiveness
Synonyms
STRONG
accordance acquiescence agreement amenability amenableness compliance compliancy conformity deference docility dutifulness duty manageability meekness observance orderliness quietness respect reverence servility submission tameness tractability tractableness willingness
WEAK
conformability duteousness
Antonyms
STRONG
disagreement disdain dishonor disobedience disregard disrespect fight nonconformity refusal
NOUN
subordination
Synonyms
STRONG
servitude submission
NOUN
tractability
Synonyms
STRONG
accordance acquiescence agreement amenability amenableness compliance compliancy conformity deference docility dutifulness duty manageability meekness observance orderliness quietness respect reverence servility submission submissiveness tameness tractableness willingness
WEAK
conformability duteousness
Antonyms
STRONG
disagreement disdain dishonor disobedience disregard disrespect fight nonconformity refusal
NOUN
tractableness
Synonyms
STRONG
accordance acquiescence agreement amenability amenableness compliance compliancy conformity deference docility dutifulness duty manageability meekness observance orderliness quietness respect reverence servility submission submissiveness tameness tractability willingness
WEAK
conformability duteousness
Antonyms
STRONG
disagreement disdain dishonor disobedience disregard disrespect fight nonconformity refusal

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 also just seems so weird, because it’s all about showing subservience, or showing that you have some loyalty.

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026

The utter subservience of American pop culture to baby boomers over the past 50-odd years has engendered justifiable resentment among members of the subsequent alphabet generations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

If anything, her role as a path-breaker created expectations that far exceeded the inherent subservience of her vice presidential position.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

But what Raisi lacked in charisma, he more than made up for in subservience; the man, frankly, was a toady doing the supreme leader’s bidding.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

I could not make subservience an automatic part of my behavior.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright