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as in responsible
being the one who must meet an obligation or suffer the consequences for failing to do so even our nation's highest leaders must remain amenable to the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of amenable are docile, obedient, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," 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

When is it sensible to use docile instead of amenable?

The words docile and amenable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

When might obedient be a better fit than amenable?

While in some cases nearly identical to amenable, obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When could tractable be used to replace amenable?

While the synonyms tractable and amenable are close in meaning, 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 amenable Under Biden, the White House has been notably more amenable to journalists. Hugh Son, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024 Still, most countries of the Global South and East seem amenable to using national currencies and other means of payment that avoid the dollar, says Irina Yarygina, a banking expert with MGIMO, a university associated with the Russian Foreign Ministry. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Oct. 2024 Passing power is readily available and the ten-speed is amenable to being flattened when trying to hit a closing gap in traffic. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Baseball isn’t merely amenable to snacking; the game is arranged around it. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amenable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amenable
Adjective
  • The super-premium rum category saw double-digit growth in many markets, driven by connoisseurs willing to pay more for unique expressions.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Iranian clerics who were willing to work with the Shah were undermined.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His oxygen tank sat at his knees like an obedient mastiff.
    Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Anyone who meets the gentle, obedient boy would never call him that.
    Bebe Hodges, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The cruise lines themselves were responsible for another direct impact of $6.3 million—a significant impact in a nation where the average income is under $10,000 per year.
    Joe Sills, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • In her new role, Russell is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the firm, developing and improving business, recruiting and pipeline growth strategies, fostering strong relationships internally and assisting staff in providing outstanding client services, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So in Colorado, where Touma used to live, her winter wardrobe was full of jackets and sweaters—ready for the winter climate.
    Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The emptied Souper Cube trays are ready for whatever my next batch of freezer friendly meals are.
    Christopher Hastings, Bon Appétit, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Last month, Trump’s adviser Stephen Miller warned that California officials of sanctuary cities may be criminally liable for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The presence of debt makes borrowers contractually liable for repayment.
    Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, buyers appear to be more inclined to get off the sidelines as pending home sales rise.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Now, with Loyd’s future with the Storm in question, Ogwumike might be inclined to look elsewhere.
    Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the City by the Bay was not the only one with glad tidings.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • So glad The Athletic finally has a team dedicated to creating data visualizations!
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near amenable

Cite this Entry

“Amenable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amenable. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amenable

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