subservient

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word subservient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of subservient are obsequious, servile, and slavish. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

When could obsequious be used to replace subservient?

In some situations, the words obsequious and subservient are roughly equivalent. However, obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When is it sensible to use servile instead of subservient?

The meanings of servile and subservient largely overlap; however, servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Where would slavish be a reasonable alternative to subservient?

The words slavish and subservient can be used in similar contexts, but slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subservient These include the notion that women are responsible when the victim of a rape attack; that men are the protectors of women, who should be subservient; and that men are frequently victims of false rape claims, among other fringe beliefs he’s publicly espoused. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 Worse, their stories are generally subservient and intermittent. Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Immigrants and citizens alike of all ages should be required to pass a constitutional literacy test to maintain a distinct American culture to which all alternatives should be subservient. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025 The movement teaches that women should be subservient to their husbands and that followers should shun dancing, dating and much of pop culture, People magazine previously reported. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subservient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subservient
Adjective
  • Look at rumors, gossip, metaphors, euphemisms, folktales—all the means by which subordinate groups disguise their opposition.
    Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • As subsidiaries, they are often deprived of strategic independence and fiscal autonomy, rendering long-term growth plans subordinate to broader organizational priorities.
    Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the years, it’s expanded into a global phenomenon, with competitive tournaments, professional play circuits, and a thriving secondary market for rare and powerful cards.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Adding further pressure, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas, which analysts describe as a form of secondary sanctions reinforcing existing restrictions on state oil firm PDVSA.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The twist offered in this tale is that this dutiful and obedient AI proceeds to gobble up all the available resources on earth to maximally achieve this goal.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The twist offered in this tale is that this dutiful and obedient AI proceeds to gobble up all the available resources on earth to maximally achieve this goal.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Why not consider additional sources of long-term income generation, which can develop passive income to support you and your family for years to come?
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Like the forest, the building is not a passive backdrop.
    Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subservient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subservient. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on subservient

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