1
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in submissiveness
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others
the cowardly obedience with which the dictator's henchmen followed his every command
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
expectations of strict obedience to the guidelines were soon dashed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obedience
Former officers described courts issuing release orders that intelligence officials ignored with impunity, prosecutors pursuing cases without evidence and security agencies using prolonged detention, torture and public accusations to impose political obedience.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
As the ministry at Sam Houston grew into the largest Chi Alpha chapter in the country, his teachings — including an emphasis on unquestioned obedience to spiritual leaders — spread with it, carried by former students who went on to launch chapters across Texas and beyond.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Augustinians also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
As a child performing with his brothers at the family home in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) is beaten by his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who demands obedience along with musical discipline.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
As the ministry at Sam Houston grew into the largest Chi Alpha chapter in the country, his teachings — including an emphasis on unquestioned obedience to spiritual leaders — spread with it, carried by former students who went on to launch chapters across Texas and beyond.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Augustinians also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
As a child performing with his brothers at the family home in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) is beaten by his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who demands obedience along with musical discipline.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
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The second edition will take place in Austin from Sept 17-21, with submissions now open.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
-
Earlier this year, NIST formally acknowledged that the National Vulnerability Database can no longer keep pace with new submissions.—
Yonesy Nunez,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
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But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
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What’s more, golf is a sport famed for its adherence to tradition, and not all technological advances are permissible in competitions.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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Beyond access and adherence, AI could also help by synthesizing data from wearables and other sources, to present doctors with richer diagnostic information.—
Tharin Pillay,
Time,
28 May 2026
Noun
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This veto aligns with Polis’ veto of a similar bill last year that featured a 48-hour warrant compliance requirement and stricter self-policing by the platforms.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
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Before publishing, journalists reviewed this content in compliance with McClatchy Media’s AI policy.—
The Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Writing in the early 1890s, Nadar deployed Balzac’s reported initial mistrust and later acquiescence to the daguerreotype as an allegory of larger significance for understanding the history of invention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
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But as the sexist and racist nature of the MAGA machine has gained mainstream acquiescence if not acceptance, the need to keep up the appearance of diversity is less and less.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Historians have written about how the widespread fear and conformity of these periods reshaped American society in enduring ways, including the destruction of progressive political movements and both delaying and muting the Civil Rights Movement itself.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
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Going hand-in-hand with this current backlash against bland conformity is also a desire for comfort and nostalgia, especially given how tumultuous the world seems these days.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
24 May 2026
Noun
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Often at odds with orthodoxy, this branch of Islam looks at the relationship between the divine and the self through the lens of surrender, to the point where one’s own identity dissolves.—
Arman Khan,
Pitchfork,
1 June 2026
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Around two weeks later, Pattilingam would be present at Papa Rao’s surrender in front of the cameras.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 Mar. 2026
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The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.—
Timothy J. Pawl,
The Conversation,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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