OBSEQUIOUS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obsequious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile , slavish , and subservient . While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner. // waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

Q: When is 'servile' a more appropriate choice than 'obsequious'?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave. // a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

Q: When can 'slavish' be used instead of 'obsequious'?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility. // the slavish status of migrant farm workers

Q: When could 'subservient' be used to replace 'obsequious'?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position. // domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

obsequious

adjective

Definition of obsequious next

as in subordinate

disapproving too eager to help or obey someone important She's constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word obsequious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obsequious are servile, slavish, and subservient. While all these words mean "showing or characterized by extreme compliance or abject obedience," obsequious implies fawning or sycophantic compliance and exaggerated deference of manner.

waiters who are obsequious in the presence of celebrities

When is servile a more appropriate choice than obsequious?

The synonyms servile and obsequious are sometimes interchangeable, but servile suggests the mean or fawning behavior of a slave.

a political boss and his entourage of servile hangers-on

When can slavish be used instead of obsequious?

Although the words slavish and obsequious have much in common, slavish suggests abject or debased servility.

the slavish status of migrant farm workers

When could subservient be used to replace obsequious?

The meanings of subservient and obsequious largely overlap; however, subservient implies the cringing manner of one very conscious of a subordinate position.

domestic help was expected to be properly subservient

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 obsequious Sunny initially speaks in an obsequious ChatGPT-generic tone, but the robot gradually adopts Suzie’s speech patterns, softening Suzie’s initial skepticism. —

Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024 What about her incessantly supportive mother (Rosemarie DeWitt) or her obsequious assistant (Miles Gutierrez-Riley)? —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024 Those words were the theme for the entire stay, from the friendly but not obsequious doormen, to the at-the-ready house car (a hybrid Bentley SUV, naturally), to the peaceful, never-overcrowded Hanover Square directly across the street. —

Laura Ratliff, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024 Hugh Grant and a scented candle terrorize two young missionaries in the trailer for A24's Heretic Grant exudes an almost obsequious congeniality before letting something more sinister seep from his pores. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obsequious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obsequious

Adjective

But all our doctrines are subordinate to the question of who Jesus is.

— Gordon Pennertz, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Annoyed by her subordinate role at Atelier (though she’s had the job for less than six months), Kriska boldly declares that Monica is self-centered.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025