1. compliant and obedient to authority (Freq. 1) - "editors and journalists who express opinions in print that are opposed to the interests of the rich are dismissed and replaced by subservient ones"-G. B. Shaw • Similar to: subordinate • Derivationally related forms: subservientness 2. abjectly submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant - slavish devotion to her job ruled her life - "a slavish yes-man to the party bosses"- S.H.Adams - she has become submissive and subservient • Syn: slavish, submissive • Similar to: servile • Derivationally related forms: submissiveness (for: submissive), submit (for: submissive), subservientness, subservience 3. serving or acting as a means or aid - instrumental in solving the crime • Syn: implemental, instrumental • Similar to: helpful • Derivationally related forms: subserve, instrument (for: instrumental), instrumentality (for: instrumental), implement (for: implemental)
