passive resistance

noun

: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

Examples of passive resistance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Stephanie Wambugu on lateness as an act of passive resistance. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 One is obvious; the body in flight, legs wide, arms behind, daring-do meets passive resistance. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Envy between peers becomes passive resistance. — Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025 And with facial recognition capabilities on the horizon, there’s a compelling argument to be made for less-than-passive resistance to the sleazy new devices. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for passive resistance

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passive resistance was in 1779

Rhymes for passive resistance

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Browse Nearby Words

passive obedience
passive resistance
passive resister
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Cite this Entry

“Passive resistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passive%20resistance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

passive resistance

noun
: resistance especially to a government or an occupying power characterized mainly by noncooperation

More from Merriam-Webster on passive resistance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about passive resistance

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