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
Children should learn 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
While barking and wagging her tail can signal excitement or protective instincts, the UKC also notes that the breed may display some level of dog aggression and, given its powerful physique, requires careful socialization and consistent obedience training.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The Dark Hearts biker gang being targeted by Robbie has its own internal code, rigorously enforcing obedience but also offering members kinship, even a warped kind of mentorship.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Zimmerman showered Leader with love and took her to obedience classes, offered rewards like liver or chicken during positive training sessions, and made sure to socialize her by having as many different people as possible pet her.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Her two pups are part of the Protection Sport Association, which competitively tests dogs in their obedience and protection skills through tests of their temperament and physical ability.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
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Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The Dark Hearts biker gang being targeted by Robbie has its own internal code, rigorously enforcing obedience but also offering members kinship, even a warped kind of mentorship.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Zimmerman showered Leader with love and took her to obedience classes, offered rewards like liver or chicken during positive training sessions, and made sure to socialize her by having as many different people as possible pet her.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Her two pups are part of the Protection Sport Association, which competitively tests dogs in their obedience and protection skills through tests of their temperament and physical ability.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obedience. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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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