WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
sub•mis•sive /səbˈnɪsɪv/USA pronunciation adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- showing a willingness to give in to the power or wishes of another:a submissive servant.
sub•mis•sive
(səb mis′iv),USA pronunciation adj.
sub•mis′sive•ly, adv.
sub•mis′sive•ness, n.
- inclined or ready to submit;
unresistingly or humbly obedient:submissive servants. - marked by or indicating submission:a submissive reply.
- submiss + -ive 1580–90
sub•mis′sive•ness, n.
- 1. tractable, compliant, pliant, amenable. 2. passive, resigned, patient, docile, tame, subdued.
- 1. rebellious, disobedient.
'submissiveness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):