1
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in submissiveness
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others
the cowardly obedience with which the dictator's henchmen followed his every command
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
expectations of strict obedience to the guidelines were soon dashed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obedience
Rabbinic tales of the Golem asked what happens when obedience outstrips wisdom.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Their training often requires patience, consistency and plenty of exercise to channel their drive into obedience and positive behaviors.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The charges were listed as obedience to a traffic control device required and DUI.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2025
Young lawyers and career government lawyers are often idealistic, willing to sacrifice personal gain for the public good, but the prospect of working for this attorney general might seem the worst sort of dead-end job — one requiring blind obedience to unworthy goals.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Their training often requires patience, consistency and plenty of exercise to channel their drive into obedience and positive behaviors.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The charges were listed as obedience to a traffic control device required and DUI.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2025
Young lawyers and career government lawyers are often idealistic, willing to sacrifice personal gain for the public good, but the prospect of working for this attorney general might seem the worst sort of dead-end job — one requiring blind obedience to unworthy goals.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
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But the latest programming move by Disney should not just be seen as cowardly submission to an autocrat’s abuse of authority.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
In a sport where fighters often define themselves as strikers, grapplers, or submission specialists, Ukah refuses to be boxed in.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This improves adherence to medical recommendations and reduces the likelihood of complications or relapses.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
That means creating systems that prioritize outcomes over strict adherence to specific programs.—
Caroline Whistler,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Regulation-As-Innovation Opportunity Smart healthcare leaders view the upcoming 2026 REAL Health Providers Act implementation not as a compliance burden, but as a strategic inflection point.—
Tammy Hawes,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The Democratic measure would create within the Office of Management and Budget an inspector general who would be tasked with ensuring compliance with federal laws.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Yet, the lesson of the Voting Rights Act is that the response to these setbacks isn’t despair or acquiescence.—
Time,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
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Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this revenge is the acquiescence of his support base and the GOP representatives to the raw hatred unleashed by our Emir of Evil.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When graduates arrive hesitant to question assumptions, collaborate across differences, or challenge authority, companies see the cultural imprint of campuses that reward conformity over curiosity.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Flowers also discussed Caribbean perspectives, noting how creativity was often stifled in favor of conformity.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Bryan Marcus said it is handled on a case by case basis, on how best the district can support and guide an observation.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
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The smock is designed to prevent self-harm and is part of broader safety measures implemented for individuals under heightened observation.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The developing cauldron would trap Russian troops with few options beyond surrender or destruction.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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His surrender was a relief, but not to the millions who mourned Kirk.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In this age of tumultuous politics, and getting further and further away from the days of deference, and the queen no longer being there, people are rapidly losing interest.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Not to mention the emphasis on respect and deference to one's elders.—
Katherine Singh,
Refinery29,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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