obedient

adjective

ō-ˈbē-dē-ənt How to pronounce obedient (audio)
Definition of obedientnext
as in docile
readily giving in to the command or authority of another that boy is so obedient that he does everything the first time he is asked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obedient different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obedient are amenable, docile, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When is amenable a more appropriate choice than obedient?

The words amenable and obedient can be used in similar contexts, but amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.

amenable to new ideas

When is it sensible to use docile instead of obedient?

Although the words docile and obedient have much in common, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

Where would tractable be a reasonable alternative to obedient?

In some situations, the words tractable and obedient are roughly equivalent. However, tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

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 obedient The video begins with a woman standing in the middle of the room, the obedient golden sitting at her feet. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025 The obedient Tessa has been tasked with capturing the Kalisk and bringing it back to the Weyland-Yutani corporation. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025 There won’t be a revolt, since the 2026 primaries start in just a few months, but there could be more resistance from a party that has been extraordinarily obedient to its president. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2025 Back home, Judomaster was as obedient to authority as Chris is. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedient
  1. docile
  2. submissive
  3. compliant
  4. biddable
  5. restrained
  6. conformable
  7. tractable
  8. amenable
Adjective
  • After implanting him with the device, a now docile Hank reveals that he's already released implanted people into the Wasteland — and that they've been given instructions.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The cutesy, docile creature that’s associated with Disney princesses and scenic woodland whimsy is inspiring the latest nail art trend.
    — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of docile
Adjective
  • Carroll County needs leadership, not submissive accountants dutifully sharpening the axe.
    — Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Curiosity flickers across his face when his submissive surprises him.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of submissive
Adjective
  • The company’s narrative is that payroll and workforce data, properly interpreted, can help executives anticipate risks, model future obligations, and adjust workforce strategies with a confidence grounded in compliant, evaluated records.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The loss of seats was needed to be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, Perry said.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of compliant
Adjective
  • Advertisers can use biddable automation to buy ads in real-time against live programming, which is especially critical for live sports.
    — Sara Fischer, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Disney is boosting its advertising capabilities for live events, with third-party partnerships, a new certification program for live sports and entertainment as well as biddable deals for live sports.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of biddable
Adjective
  • On the street, the Mazda3 hatchback carries itself with a restrained yet purposeful elegance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Arnold’s Heathcliff is much more fully developed as a character, in part due to the more restrained performances and Arnold’s highly sensory style.
    — Cazzie David, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Is this suit more conformable than the costume from Revenge of the Sith?
    — Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 June 2022
  • Parker details that after a few meetings and sample swapping with the agency, Macy’s picked up her collection and the pair have dedicated its mission to approach size inclusive fashion in a fun yet conformable way.
    — Nandi Howard, Essence, 18 May 2021
Definition of conformable
Adjective
  • Anybody can ask a new question, but to ask which questions at this point in time have both impact and are tractable is actually really hard.
    — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Entropies that seemed infinite, impossible to calculate, suddenly became tractable.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of tractable
Adjective
  • Gregory Bovino with border czar Tom Homan and the subsequent reduction of ICE agents in Minneapolis are evidence that the president is amenable to finding a better solution at the present time.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The conditions in February at Bowman Gray are too unpredictable not to wonder whether NASCAR is better served by shifting the Clash to a different venue, preferably somewhere that offers a better chance to race in more amenable weather.
    — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of amenable

Browse Nearby Words

obediences
obedient
obeisance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedient. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obedient

Nglish: Translation of obedient for Spanish Speakers

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