supine

adjective

Definition of supinenext
as in passive
lacking the ability or will to act on one's own They blamed the disaster on supine politicians who allowed large corporations to flout regulations.

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

Some common synonyms of supine are idle, inactive, inert, and passive. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

When would idle be a good substitute for supine?

The words idle and supine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When might inactive be a better fit than supine?

The meanings of inactive and supine largely overlap; however, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

Where would inert be a reasonable alternative to supine?

The words inert and supine can be used in similar contexts, but inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

In what contexts can passive take the place of supine?

While the synonyms passive and supine are close in meaning, passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

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 supine The Senate confirmations of two superbly qualified Biden nominees for top posts at the Labor Department were blocked by a Big Business cabal allied with not only Republicans but supine Democrats including Sens. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 But today, a President Harris would have supine leftist zealots, such as Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), eager to do the bidding of their dear White House leader. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Beginner stretches include standing awareness, head hang, and supine spinal twist. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Poses that can help with endometriosis pain include happy baby, legs-up-the-wall, and supine spinal twist. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for supine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supine
  1. passive
  2. feeble
  3. incompetent
  4. acquiescent
  5. spineless
Adjective
  • The audience served as participants in the creative process instead of passive observers. BTS and the Art of Radical Transparency BTS has established an international fanbase known as the ARMY that maintains exceptional organization and vocal participation, together with worldwide connectivity.
    — Angelique Kuiper, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025
  • Employees become co-creators of innovation rather than passive recipients of change.
    — Sunny Nandwani, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of passive
Adjective
  • Joe Biden’s disastrous June 2024 debate performance, when the nation witnessed a hoarse and feeble president losing his train of thought and struggling to finish sentences, ended his re-election campaign.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Their feeble efforts fall flat, because the physical historical record dictates otherwise.
    — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Definition of feeble
Adjective
  • He was found incompetent to stand trial, which in the state of Colorado, means he must be released from custody, Padden's office told Fox News Digital earlier this month.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
  • Malfunctioning surveillance equipment, conveniently incompetent jail staff, and statements from individuals such as the mayor of New York and Epstein’s brother played roles in fomenting this coalition.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Definition of incompetent
Adjective
  • Where Chelsea’s domestic overseers have been largely acquiescent to their accounting ingenuity, the same can’t be said abroad.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu appears convinced that his country’s security, along with his own political survival, depends on prolonging the military offensives and keeping both Gaza and Lebanon ungovernable, and therefore acquiescent.
    — Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
Definition of acquiescent
Adjective
  • Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • An erect, sprawling, and spineless cactus, the flowers are white, fragrant, and measure 12 inches long and 8 inches wide.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
Definition of spineless

Browse Nearby Words

superwomen
supine
supineness
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Cite this Entry

“Supine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supine. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of supine for Spanish Speakers

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