docility

noun

Definition of docilitynext
as in obedience
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others dogs bred for docility instead of aggressiveness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 docility Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026 The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness. — Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for docility
  1. obedience
  2. submissiveness
  3. acquiescence
Noun
  • As its civil lawsuits foundered, the Justice Department reached for another weapon to compel obedience from state election officers.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • My abuser understood the power of words, and used them to dictate the terms of my obedience.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of obedience
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • The greatest near-term threat to world order, then, is what might be called the Taiwanese chip crisis, in which Beijing mobilizes to take control of the island and the United States must choose between armed resistance and acquiescence.
    — NIALL FERGUSON, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of acquiescence

Browse Nearby Words

docile
docility
dock
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Cite this Entry

“Docility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docility. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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