Definition of OBEDIENT

Choose the Right Synonym for obedient

obedient, docile, tractable, amenable mean submissive to the will of another. obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority. obedient to the government docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance. a docile child tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing. tractable animals 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

Examples of obedient in a Sentence

that boy is so obedient that he does everything the first time he is asked

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump is similarly unpopular in France, and President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Washington — during which the two leaders exchanged a number of physical touches — was roasted in the French press, with Macron portrayed as an obedient child. — Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, "Allies fume over Trump’s withdrawal from Iran deal but have few options to respond," 14 May 2018 Among Brazilians who favored respectful, obedient, and good-mannered kids, four times as many chose Bolsonaro. — Marc J. Hetherington, Vox, "How you think about raising children says a lot about your political views," 29 Nov. 2018 Across Latin America in recent years, people who prefer obedient, disciplined children have voted consistently for right-wing populists such as Porfirio Lobo in Honduras and Otto Perez Molina in Guatemala. — Marc J. Hetherington, Vox, "How you think about raising children says a lot about your political views," 29 Nov. 2018 No longer ruled by the Habsburg king or obedient to the pope, the Dutch were a Protestant republic — fiercely independent and proud. — Rick Steves' Europe, The Seattle Times, "Specialized tours enrich travel," 14 Nov. 2018 Yet there’s no evidence that Millais ever saw the book or this Van Eyck, whose mood by contrast is joyful and expectant, though both women are clearly burdened and obedient to strict, prescribed roles. — Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, "‘Truth and Beauty: The Pre-Raphaelites and the Old Masters’ Review: Understanding a Complex Aesthetic," 28 July 2018 On one hand, rows of olive trees stand like obedient soldiers before a turreted building that almost looks like a castle. — Gemma Askham, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 Best Day Trips from Barcelona," 4 Mar. 2018 But the president has all but won his monthslong battle with the country’s rail unions — Parliament passed his big trains initiative this week — and his majority in the National Assembly continues to be obedient. — Adam Nossiter, New York Times, "Let Them Eat on Fancy Plates: Emmanuel Macron’s New China," 14 June 2018 Not many would have expected this young Pole to become the successor to Peter, but his example speaks to all of us… a life inspired by faith and obedient to service, can change the course of history. — Jamie Ducharme, Time, "Betsy DeVos Urges Ave Maria Grads to 'Embrace the Mess': Read the Full Text of Education Secretary's Commencement Speech," 5 May 2018

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