Choose the correct synonym (the word nearest in meaning): 'Docile'

Concept

A synonym is a word that carries the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. To pick the best synonym, fix the core sense of the target word, then choose the option whose meaning matches that sense most closely, rejecting any option that is opposite or unrelated.

Application

The adjective 'docile' describes a person or animal that is easy to manage, teach, or control — quiet, obedient and yielding to the will of others. Its core sense is therefore 'readily controlled or obedient'.

'Submissive' means ready to yield to the authority or will of another, that is, obedient and compliant. This matches the core sense of 'docile' almost exactly, so it is the nearest synonym.

Contrast with the other words

• 'Stubborn' means refusing to change one's mind or yield — this is the opposite of being easy to control, so it is an antonym, not a synonym.

• 'Strong' refers to physical or mental power and has nothing to do with obedience, so it is unrelated.

• 'Changeable' means likely to vary or fluctuate, which describes inconstancy rather than obedience, so it too is unrelated.

Hence the word nearest in meaning to 'docile' is 'submissive'.