Synonyms of disobey

disobey

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈbā 

as in to ignore

to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of

students who disobey their teachers and use cell phones in class

drivers who consistently disobey traffic laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• violate
• defy
• resist
• mock
• oppose
• reject
• dismiss
• rebel (against)
• fight
• disregard
• flout
• transgress
• overlook
• revolt (against)
• disoblige
• pass over
• withstand
• infringe
• breach
• scorn
• scoff (at)
• break
• shrug off
• tune out
• combat
• wink (at)
• dispute
• brush (off)
• contest
• mutiny (against)
• pooh-pooh
• buck
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• follow
• conform (to)
• comply (with)
• serve
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• mind
• surrender (to)
• defer (to)
• concede (to)
• cooperate (with)
• keep
• observe
• agree (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• hear
• oblige
• goose-step (to)
• notice
• listen (to)
• attend
• accede (to)
• heed
• watch
• assent (to)
• regard
• note
• mark
• acquiesce (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disobey

Michael Schade, who works in the department’s traffic division, said most e-bike accidents were caused by riders disobeying basic traffic rules, like running red lights and not stopping at stop signs. —Alissa Gary, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

In one story, the king, Hiranyakashipu, ordered everyone in his kingdom to worship him and was irked when his own son Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, disobeyed his command. —ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026

In the internal report, an ICE agent wrote that Martinez appeared intoxicated or impaired and disobeyed verbal instructions to stop and exit his vehicle. —Bayliss Wagner, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Feb. 2026

What is the penalty for disobeying a traffic signal? —Emery Glover, Des Moines Register, 16 Feb. 2026