Synonym Chooser

How is the word obedient different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obedient are amenable, docile, and tractable. While all these words mean "submissive to the will of another," obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.

obedient to the government

When is amenable a more appropriate choice than obedient?

The words amenable and obedient can be used in similar contexts, but amenable suggests a willingness to yield or cooperate because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.

amenable to new ideas

When is it sensible to use docile instead of obedient?

Although the words docile and obedient have much in common, docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance.

a docile child

Where would tractable be a reasonable alternative to obedient?

In some situations, the words tractable and obedient are roughly equivalent. However, tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing.

tractable animals

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 obedient Hana must suppress her considerate and obedient nature or her destiny will be as dark as the solar eclipse. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2025 Life will be much easier for the AI maker by forcing the AI to be fully obedient. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 Catholics will remain formally obedient to one pope and one episcopal hierarchy. Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for obedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedient
Adjective
  • In the wild, rapid growth, a docile temperament and fast egg-laying are not traits that would serve chickens well in the slightest.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Bullmastiffs are docile at home and fearless at work.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Managers are no longer as cautious, players are no longer as submissive, supporters are no longer as in awe.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Wilson also gets called a ‘simp,’ which is slang for a man who is viewed as foolish for being submissive or overly catering to his woman.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Organizations need cross-functional governance that ensures decisions aren’t just compliant but human-centered.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Pixel 10 packs a 4,980mAh battery capable of charging at up to 30W via wire and at 15W wirelessly via Qi2-compliant chargers.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisers can use biddable automation to buy ads in real-time against live programming, which is especially critical for live sports.
    Sara Fischer, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Disney is boosting its advertising capabilities for live events, with third-party partnerships, a new certification program for live sports and entertainment as well as biddable deals for live sports.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Classical minimalism, meant to evoke modest virtue and restrained power, is a good style for a democratic state.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The sizable rooms offer a restrained elegance, with white marble bathrooms, mid-century modern furniture, and black-and-white photos of striking architecture on the walls.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Is this suit more conformable than the costume from Revenge of the Sith?
    Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 June 2022
  • Parker details that after a few meetings and sample swapping with the agency, Macy’s picked up her collection and the pair have dedicated its mission to approach size inclusive fashion in a fun yet conformable way.
    Nandi Howard, Essence, 18 May 2021
Adjective
  • Until recently, their goal has been to attack the more tractable pure delivery market with a custom delivery robot about half the size of traditional cars.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • These prove out Fielder’s intuition that aviation safety depends on candid cockpit conversation, a particularly high-stakes—and, crucially, perhaps tractable—example of Fielder’s over-all preoccupation with the fear and anxiety that inhibits genuine communication.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • There may be specific situations where the needs to keep providing services are so acute that Republicans Joel Anderson and/or Jim Desmond will be amenable.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
  • If the 24-year-old is enjoying a strong, healthy campaign, rival clubs may be more amenable to picking up his salary.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedient. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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