passive-aggressive
adjective
denoting or pertaining to a personality type or behavior marked by the expression of negative emotions in passive, indirect ways, as through manipulation or noncooperation.
passive-aggression
-
a word derived from
passive-aggressive.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But unfortunately, we are not so evolved as to bite the hand that feeds, so this horrible age of smartphone passive-aggression rages on.
From Slate ● Mar. 18, 2023
And while you may shriek in mock-horror at some mother-daughter passive-aggression — “What do you think, Mum?”
From New York Times ● Dec. 1, 2022
You are also sensitized to and hyper-aware of her passive-aggression.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 12, 2022
As passive-aggression turns to mere aggression, she compares her host’s house to the Cheesecake Factory and calls her a “classist monster.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2021
And, like the best 60s sunshine pop, something shady lurks beneath the carefree breeziness of its tune: lyrics that offer a masterclass in passive-aggression.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 18, 2019
