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

Synonyms

• compliance
• conformity
• submission
• subordination

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

Their willingness stemmed from the pervasive atmosphere Green established, in which his approval hinged on complete obedience to his whims. —Air Mail, 3 May 2025

Paul calls us to adopt Christ’s mind — marked by humility, self-emptying love, and obedience to God. —Rev. Frank Alagna, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2025

Some, like Columbia University, Amazon, and Paul, Weiss, have caved, choosing the path of obedience over principle. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025

Leaders who appreciate the worth of their team and respect others will gain far more than mere obedience. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin oboedientia "act of obeying" (Medieval Latin also, "sphere of jurisdiction"), noun derivative of oboedient-, oboedient obedient

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing obedience

• in obedience

Rhymes for obedience

• expedience
• disobedience

Kids 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