disobey

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈbā How to pronounce disobey (audio)
Definition of disobeynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disobey Saulter was being investigated for allegedly falsifying time sheets, disobeying a direct order and failing to report part-time employment properly. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Authorities last August removed Dodik from the post of the president and temporarily banned him from politics for disobeying Schmidt's decisions. — ABC News, 11 May 2026 Trump had to relent on a scheme to prosecute Fed Chair Jerome Powell for disobeying White House commands to cut interest rates. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2026 The group says Ensign misled courts, disobeyed court orders and failed to intervene when lawyers under his supervision engaged in misconduct. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disobey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disobey
  1. ignore
  2. violate
  3. defy
  4. resist
  5. mock
  6. oppose
Verb
  • Instead of going home that night, Wilber found himself back in bed 23 of the detention center — his bond denied — trying to ignore a nasty odor permeating his 14-person cell.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Kennedy plans to ignore such noise in the lead-up to the draft.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • The deal could close as soon as July 22, though several states, including Oregon and California, are investigating whether the $111 billion transaction violates their antitrust laws.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • In an 80-page ruling obtained by Rolling Stone, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court found that Carliz De La Cruz Hernández can move forward with her claim that the recording’s use violated her right to protect her identity from commercial exploitation.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
Definition of violate
Verb
  • Mexican Americans have long risen up to defend ourselves and defy our haters, but there’s usually an underlying strain of bitterness and anger that kneecaps us at the worst possible moments.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Any concerns that expanding the tournament to forty-eight teams would bring lopsided outcomes evaporated as underdog nations defied betting odds again and again.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 July 2026
Definition of defy
Verb
  • Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • The Belgian team’s official X account celebrated the team’s win with a pair of mocking posts.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • More than 200 people were arrested in protest marches and anti-terror raids, including academics, lawyers, and journalists; a comedian who mocked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was held at the airport.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of mock
Verb
  • The bill is also opposed by organizations representing technology and broadband companies as well as gas station convenience store operators.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • Activists opposing the company’s plans include civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of oppose

Browse Nearby Words

disobedient
disobey
disobeyed
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Cite this Entry

“Disobey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disobey. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disobey

Nglish: Translation of disobey for Spanish Speakers

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