obedience

noun

obe·di·ence | \ ō-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s

, ə-\

Definition of obedience

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about obedience

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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

Church officials say the interviews allow bishops to get to know youth better and determine their religious habits and obedience to God. — Washington Post, "Mormons post questions asked during youth interviews," 21 June 2018 In its 143rd year, purebreds big and small—as well as cats!—gather to compete for the top honors in categories such as obedience, breed, group, and agility. — Chris Maggio, Vogue, "At Westminster, Very Good Dogs Put On A Very Good Show," 13 Feb. 2019 Mormon leaders have defended the youth interviews as an important way for bishops to get to know youth better and determine their religious habits and obedience to God. — Brady Mccombs, The Seattle Times, "Mormon man opposing youth interviews says ouster likely," 10 Sep. 2018 Mormon leaders say the interviews are an important way for bishops to get to know youth better and determine their religious habits and obedience to God. — Brady Mccombs, Fox News, "Mormon fighting to end youth interviews summoned to hearing," 30 Aug. 2018 Church officials say the interviews allow bishops to get to know youth better and determine their religious habits and obedience to God. — Washington Post, "Mormons post questions asked during youth interviews," 21 June 2018 Church officials say the interviews allow bishops to get to know youth better and determine their religious habits and obedience to God. — Brady Mccombs, chicagotribune.com, "Mormons march in Salt Lake City to demand end to private youth interviews," 30 Mar. 2018 At the same time, priests are seen as living representatives of Christ, with obedience to them another Catholic cornerstone. — Tim Sullivan, The Seattle Times, "AP finds long history of nuns abused by priests in India," 1 Jan. 2019 In obedience to the constitutional mandate, the Senate ratified Marshall’s nomination by acclamation a mere 36 days before the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party. — WSJ, "Hamilton on a Timely Nomination Response," 7 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obedience.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.