obedience

noun

ō-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce obedience (audio)
Definition of obediencenext
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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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

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 In China, Xi is trying to bend technology toward obedience and growth. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Catherine Coldstream entered a Carmelite monastery at age 24, and lived a life of prayer and obedience for 12 years. — Terry Gross, NPR, 24 July 2026 The story follows two genetically identical women who switch identities and consequently expose a hierarchical world based on genetic selection, exploitation and obedience. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 7 July 2026 Its blinding concentration is awed into submission or obedience. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
  1. submission
  2. submissiveness
  3. adherence
  4. compliance
  5. acquiescence
  6. conformity
  7. surrender
  8. docility
Noun
  • Its closest showing came in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai submission ever to reach the 15-title shortlist.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Eiren’s pick now advances to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will winnow submissions from countries around the world down to a shortlist of 15 films before narrowing to five nominees.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of submission
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • Members may appeal the presiding officer’s ruling, but, given a commitment to nonpartisan conduct and adherence to precedent, in practice the parliamentarian’s advice carries significant weight and is generally considered final.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Better adherence and earlier intervention can help prevent costly complications that drive healthcare spending, including hospitalizations, emergency-room visits and disease progression.
    — Joel Zive, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • When Allie and Owen decide to bump their rumpy-pumpy to next year, in order to get to know each other better, there is a relief in their compliance, like exhausted toddlers who have stopped fighting bedtime.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, the safest garment is the one workers are actually going to wear, so comfort plays a major role in compliance and safety.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Central to the reorganization is an institutional separation between standard setting and conformity assessment—the process used to determine whether a product, facility or company satisfies those standards.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of conformity
Noun
  • Forgo those weapons, as the Iranians have done until now, and the result is destruction, attempts at regime change, and demands for unconditional surrender.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • So far this year, MDSPCA has handled 6% more surrenders than in years past.
    — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of surrender
Noun
  • Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.
    — Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of docility

Browse Nearby Words

obdurateness
obedience
obediences
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Cite this Entry

“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obedience

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obedience

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