Synonym Chooser

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 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 docile At the time, Irwin was snorkeling alongside the typically docile sea creature while filming in the Batt Reef off the coast of Australia. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024 Arizona is home to a diverse range of 30 tarantula species, and the most docile one is the Arizona blonde tarantula. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 4 Sep. 2024 Starting with a local white sage ritual to calm the already docile bees to a deeper peacefulness visit with expert guides to the live European honeybee colonies to learn all about the inner workings. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for docile 

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Cite this Entry

“Docile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/docile. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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