Complaisant
hardNeutral tonekum-PLAY-zunt
adjective
Definition
Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
Memory hook
COMPLY-SANT: eager to COMPLY and please — willingly obliging (not complacent = smug).
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The complaisant host agreed to every request from his guests.”
“Her complaisant nature made her popular but sometimes exploited.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ host agreed to every request from his guests.”
Show answer
complaisant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Complaisant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "obliging" or "accommodating" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "obstinate".
Related GRE Words
docile
Easily taught, submissive, and obedient
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
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