obedience
noun
obe·di·ence
ō-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s 
ə-
1
a
: an act or instance of obeying
b
: the quality or state of being obedient
taught the children obedience and respect for authority
2
: a sphere of jurisdiction
landowners within the king's obedience
especially
: an ecclesiastical or sometimes secular dominion
under the obedience of the Bishop of Rome
Examples of obedience in a Sentence
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
the cowardly obedience with which the dictator's henchmen followed his every command
Recent Examples on the Web
September 23 – October 22 Leadership doesn’t always look like strict command structures and demands for immediate obedience.
—
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Nguyen explained that the red envelopes carry similar significance as Christmas presents with an intention of teaching children respect, love, care and obedience.
—Suryatapa Chakraborty, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Thus the sign helps the greengrocer to conceal from himself the low foundations of his obedience, at the same time concealing the low foundations of power.
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
One where belonging doesn't depend on performance, obedience, or getting it right the first time.
—Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
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Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Nguyen explained that the red envelopes carry similar significance as Christmas presents with an intention of teaching children respect, love, care and obedience.
—Suryatapa Chakraborty, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Thus the sign helps the greengrocer to conceal from himself the low foundations of his obedience, at the same time concealing the low foundations of power.
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
One where belonging doesn't depend on performance, obedience, or getting it right the first time.
—Danielle Marie Holland, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obedience. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obedience
noun
obe·di·ence
ō-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s
ə-
1
: an act or instance of obeying
2
: the quality or state of being obedient
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