Definition of amenablenext
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as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so even our nation's highest leaders must remain amenable to the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of amenable are docile, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," 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

When is it sensible to use docile instead of amenable?

The words docile and amenable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When might obedient be a better fit than amenable?

While in some cases nearly identical to amenable, obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When could tractable be used to replace amenable?

While the synonyms tractable and amenable are close in meaning, tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

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 amenable Butera said Abrams was amenable to the move while noting that shortstops take pride in playing the position — something Abrams also acknowledged. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 But jobs are really bundles of tasks, some more amenable to automation than others, according to Stanford professor Charles Jones, a leading scholar of how AI will affect growth. — Matt Peterson,kate Rooney, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Branagh’s Lopakhin is unusually amenable, said Arifa Akbar in The Guardian. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 July 2026 This can be challenging for the beginner, especially if dealing with unstable conditions that require the starter needing to be moved from spot to spot amenable for fermentation. — Shirl Leigh july 16, New Atlas, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amenable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable
Adjective
  • Ours is a society in which those intrepid few who are willing to engage with their surroundings will find no eyes or ears to receive them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But that has been changing since the pandemic, as consumers became more interested, knowledgable and willing to experiment with fragrances than ever.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Attorney General, Todd Blanche, is an obedient Tom Hagen.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Reflecting on her obedient past as a child actor, Panettiere told THR that that pressure ultimately took a toll on her.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Singapore is now threatening to prosecute companies responsible for the wildfires.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • State secrets, exposed Curiously, the grand jury indicted no one, saying no one seemed to know who was responsible.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The mattress was ready to sleep on just a few hours after unpacking.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In his solo show, South Florida dancer/choreographer Randolph Ward is ready to bare it all—his art, his many selves, and, at one point, his body as testimony.
    — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • If proven guilty, 28-year-old Mickschl could be liable for thousands of dollars in repair costs, the administrator told him.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In August 2025, Allen was found liable by default rather than following a trial in which a jury weighed the competing accounts.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a performance aspect to reality television, to people who are politically inclined.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If the brand fits that aesthetic, the audience is far more inclined to become the brand’s customers.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Many rabid fans from other cities would be glad to trade places with them anytime.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Just glad to be here with you guys and proud to represent one of the best states in the country.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Amenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amenable. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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