obedience

noun

ō-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce obedience (audio)
Definition of obediencenext
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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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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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obedience Civilian control of the military requires obedience to lawful orders, not blind participation in whatever form of violence a president chooses to rename as war. — Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 For example, a pet owner who doesn't have to absorb the full costs of a $5,000 emergency surgery bill may be better positioned to continue purchasing high-quality food, maintaining regular dental cleanings or enrolling in obedience classes afterward. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026 Both local teams were certified in four disciplines that show off a police dog’s obedience and skills, that include narcotics and cadaver detection and tracking ability. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest days in Islam and commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided an animal to sacrifice instead. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
  1. submission
  2. submissiveness
  3. adherence
  4. compliance
  5. acquiescence
  6. conformity
  7. surrender
  8. docility
Noun
  • The Grammy for traditional folk had been dumped and reclassified because submissions to the category declined, said Jennifer Roe, executive director of Folk Alliance International in Kansas City.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Under state law, prosecutors have 30 days to respond after the petition’s submission, though the judge may extend that timeframe.
    — Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of submission
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • Because editors generally operate under pseudonyms, an argument succeeds not on the strength of someone’s credentials or professional status but on its evidence and adherence to Wikipedia’s policies.
    — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • Higher adherence to these diets is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
    — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • IPOs and public-market financing require disclosure, compliance processes and legal predictability.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Multiple staffers have indicated to OutKick-Fox News that this question is currently being discussed among compliance departments across college campuses.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Less money coming into government coffers also means fewer goodies for the population of Moscow, whose acquiescence Putin desperately needs.
    — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • The film is a reminder that conformity is never compulsory, and that putting yourself out there is the only way to find out who’s ready to catch you.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of conformity
Noun
  • Teach people young that their identity is theirs, their record should be portable, and proof should not require surrender.
    — Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Yet instead of providing clarity, his surprise succession plan sparks confusion and frustration among the McBee family, all while emotions run high ahead of his surrender.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of surrender
Noun
  • Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.
    — Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of docility

Browse Nearby Words

obdurateness
obedience
obediences
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Cite this Entry

“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obedience

Nglish: Translation of obedience for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obedience

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