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
Relevance
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
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 obedience
If your boss demands loyalty, constant praise, and complete obedience—but offers none in return—you’re not just in a toxic job.
—
Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
As a puppy, Faith received obedience and house-breaking training at a prison for women in Florida.
—The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But there is good reason to believe that an adult who prefers conformity, obedience and uniformity in children also desires the same in society at large.
—Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
While much of the research on obedience has focused on military settings, this new study set out to answer a broader question: Do civilians behave any differently when asked to carry out morally challenging tasks under orders?
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
As a puppy, Faith received obedience and house-breaking training at a prison for women in Florida.
—The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
But there is good reason to believe that an adult who prefers conformity, obedience and uniformity in children also desires the same in society at large.
—Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
While much of the research on obedience has focused on military settings, this new study set out to answer a broader question: Do civilians behave any differently when asked to carry out morally challenging tasks under orders?
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
-
However, a pick for Chimaev to win via early submission is not out of line.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Some 80 submissions responded to Sanfic Lab’s Open Call, making selection even more daunting.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Ninety-day mail order can boost adherence and cut abandonment rates by nearly 40%.—
John Samuels,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Other projects demand a mash-up of genres to heighten rhythm, deepen thematic concerns, or reflect a character’s obsessions in a way that a strict adherence to one genre can’t.—
Matthew Clark Davison,
Literary Hub,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
By meticulously evaluating the nuances of equity transactions, professionals can not only enhance the reliability of their valuation judgments but also ensure greater compliance with financial reporting and tax regulations.—
Meenal Aggarwal,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Because the performance isn’t just about mere compliance.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The federal government’s success in strong-arming Ryan to resign and the UVA Board’s acquiescence to it have been viewed by higher education officials as one more alarming step by the Trump administration to strip away university autonomy and self-governance.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Too many have chosen the politics of non-engagement, which is at best a hair’s breadth away from acquiescence or complicity.—
Kamila Shamsie
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
While federal funders have a legitimate interest in setting ethical and legal boundaries, the principle at stake is that participation in public research should be judged by quality and contribution, not political conformity.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
To aid him in the performance of these duties, he is authorized to appoint certain officers, who act by his authority and in conformity with his orders.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
Cold Atom Lab — Yui, working inside NASA's Destiny Laboratory, swapped out computer components for this apparatus which lowers atoms below the mean temperature of the universe, enabling the observation of atomic wave functions and quantum characteristics that cannot be reproduced on the ground.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Pritzker responded to Colbert’s observation by joking that Illinois Democrats had asked kindergarten students to draw the map.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The bombs decimated both cities, leading to Japan’s surrender on Aug. 15, 1945, and later the end of World War II.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Because lose-lose situations are so endemic to the genre, a hint of relief can sometimes accompany the prospect of surrender to the putrefying mob.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
My testimony noted that while legislators will no longer be able to pass ambiguous laws with the expectation that agencies’ interpretations will get deference, Congress will not necessarily have to write statutory language that is detailed and prescriptive.—
Susan E. Dudley,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Trump’s own messaging around Gaza — that there is a genuine humanitarian crisis on the ground but that Israel deserves deference to operate — is reflective of the differing views among his own supporters.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share