1
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
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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
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3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
expectations of strict obedience to the guidelines were soon dashed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obedience
Rabbinic tales of the Golem asked what happens when obedience outstrips wisdom.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Their training often requires patience, consistency and plenty of exercise to channel their drive into obedience and positive behaviors.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The charges were listed as obedience to a traffic control device required and DUI.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2025
Young lawyers and career government lawyers are often idealistic, willing to sacrifice personal gain for the public good, but the prospect of working for this attorney general might seem the worst sort of dead-end job — one requiring blind obedience to unworthy goals.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Their training often requires patience, consistency and plenty of exercise to channel their drive into obedience and positive behaviors.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
The charges were listed as obedience to a traffic control device required and DUI.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2025
Young lawyers and career government lawyers are often idealistic, willing to sacrifice personal gain for the public good, but the prospect of working for this attorney general might seem the worst sort of dead-end job — one requiring blind obedience to unworthy goals.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
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At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the Reply AI Film Festival named Love at First Sight by Jacopo Reale, its Grand Prize winner, The AI Film Festival announced winners during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, selecting from over 2,500 submissions from 67 countries.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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This year’s submission pool demonstrated TCCF’s expanding international reach, with entries from 44 nations totaling nearly 700 projects.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Each requires a general adherence to developmental milestones.—
Ken Polk,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Philippi also repeatedly espoused his adherence to white supremacist and accelerationist ideologies which promote the idea that a destabilizing terrorist attack on something like the nation's energy sectors could serve to incite unrest that leads to civil war, prosecutors said.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the industry is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to manage tariff risks, optimize logistics costs, and ensure pricing compliance across complex regulatory environments.—
Nish Acharya,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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This includes preparing for potential court challenges and coordinating with state officials to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Yet, the lesson of the Voting Rights Act is that the response to these setbacks isn’t despair or acquiescence.—
Time,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
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Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this revenge is the acquiescence of his support base and the GOP representatives to the raw hatred unleashed by our Emir of Evil.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When graduates arrive hesitant to question assumptions, collaborate across differences, or challenge authority, companies see the cultural imprint of campuses that reward conformity over curiosity.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Flowers also discussed Caribbean perspectives, noting how creativity was often stifled in favor of conformity.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Bryan Marcus said it is handled on a case by case basis, on how best the district can support and guide an observation.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
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The smock is designed to prevent self-harm and is part of broader safety measures implemented for individuals under heightened observation.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The developing cauldron would trap Russian troops with few options beyond surrender or destruction.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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His surrender was a relief, but not to the millions who mourned Kirk.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The central factor is the growing power asymmetry between China and India, and Beijing demanding deference within Asia—a hierarchy India resists.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
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Owners and teams contractually assent to the league and commissioner having final, binding and conclusive authority, meaning courts would give the league sizable deference.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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