Synonyms of passive

43 similar words · 57 opposite words

Another word for passive is unemployed. Other synonyms of passive are idle, inert, latent, quiescent and unoccupied. The opposite of passive is active.

Synonyms and similar words for passive

idleNot being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.
inactive
abeyantBeing in a state of abeyance; suspended.
at rest
dormant
dullHeavy; lifeless; inert.
fallow figuratively
hibernating
inertUnable to move or act; inanimate.
languidOf a thing: lacking energy, liveliness, or strength; inactive, slow-moving, weak.
latentRemaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
nonactiveNot active; inactive; inert.
quiescentInactive, quiet, at rest.
silent
slow
standing by
suspended
torpidDormant or hibernating.
unactiveNot active; inactive.
unbusyNot busy.
unemployedHaving no use, not doing work.
unoccupiedNot employed on a task; idle.
cessant obsoleteDormant, inactive.
sedent archaicSitting; inactive or still.
sedentary obsolete

compliantWilling to comply; submissive; willing to do what someone wants.
pliantEasily influenced; tractable.
submissiveMeekly obedient or passive; obsequious.
amenableWilling to comply; easily led.
biddableDocile, amenable or compliant.
complaisantWilling to do what pleases others; obliging; agreeable.
controllableAble to be controlled; subject to regulation or command.
docile
governableCapable of being governed or subjected to authority; amenable to law or rule.
indulgentDisposed or prone to indulge, humor, gratify, or yield to one's own or another's desires, etc., or to be compliant...
manageableCapable of being managed or controlled.
meekSubmissive, dispirited, cowed.
rulableCapable of being ruled; governable.
tractableCapable of being easily led, taught, or managed.
yieldingDocile, or inclined to give way to pressure.
maniable obsoleteManageable.

activeHaving the power or quality of acting; causing change; communicating action or motion; acting;—opposed to passive, that...
abuzzCharacterized by a high level of activity or gossip; in a buzz (“feeling or rush of energy or excitement”), buzzing.
agile
airy
alive
animateDynamic, energetic.
animated
brisk
busy
busy as a beeVery active; working constantly.
buxom
buzzingVery happy; full of joyful excitement.
diligentPerforming with industrious concentration; hard-working and focused.
driven
driving
dynamic
eager
effervescent
energetic
enthusiastic
expeditious
frisky
gay
genkiPlayful and hyperactive.
glowing
happy
hearty
impetuous
industriousHard-working and persistent.
keen
kinetic
lively
merry
mobile
motivatedEnthusiastic, especially about striving toward a goal.
moving
nimble
peppyFull of pep; energetic, cheerful, and vigorous; bouncy.
perky
restive
sassy
snappy
spiritedLively, vigorous, animated or courageous.
sprightly
spry
vibrant
vigorous
vivacious
vivid
wanton
youthful
zealousFull of zeal; ardent, fervent; exhibiting enthusiasm or strong passion, particularly in matters of religion.
zestful
zippy informalEnergetic and lively.
sprunt obsolete

What is another word for passive?: Passive has 43 synonyms on Word.ws, such as unemployed, idle, inert, latent, quiescent, unoccupied, torpid and abeyant.
What is the opposite of passive?: The opposite of passive is active. Other antonyms of passive are animate, motivated, spirited, diligent and zealous.
What does passive mean?: Passive means being subjected to an action without producing a reaction.

Adapted from Wiktionary: passive (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

Last updated: 2026-09-02

Cite this page: “Synonyms of passive.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/passive. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.