DOCILE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'docile' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of docile are amenable , obedient , and tractable . While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance. // a docile child

Q: When can 'amenable' be used instead of 'docile'?

The words amenable and docile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness. // amenable to new ideas

Q: In what contexts can 'obedient' take the place of 'docile'?

The synonyms obedient and docile are sometimes interchangeable, but obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority. // obedient to the government

Q: When would 'tractable' be a good substitute for 'docile'?

The words tractable and docile can be used in similar contexts, but tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing. // tractable animals

docile

adjective

ˈdä-səl

Definition of docile next

as in obedient

readily giving in to the command or authority of another a docile young pony that went wherever it was led

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How is the word docile different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of docile are amenable, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When can amenable be used instead of docile?

The words amenable and docile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.

amenable to new ideas

In what contexts can obedient take the place of docile?

The synonyms obedient and docile are sometimes interchangeable, but obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When would tractable be a good substitute for docile?

The words tractable and docile can be used in similar contexts, but tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

Examples of docile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its docile nature and striking appearance have drawn interest, but its rarity and striking coloration have raised concerns about potential exploitation in the exotic pet trade. —

Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2024 Despite being plied with Russian attention, regional actors hardly behave as Russia’s docile clients. —

Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2021 Over time, beekeepers have kept hives that are more docile and exterminated bees that show aggressive tendencies in an effort to keep the majority of wild bees calm. —

Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024 Furthermore, negative stereotypes and biases can seep into their consciousness, painting Latinas as subservient, docile, or lacking intelligence. —

Deborah Cruz, Parents, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for docile

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'docile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Docile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docile. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 28 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of docile

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