Synonyms of obey

obey

verb

ō-ˈbā 

as in to follow

to act according to the commands of

she taught her dog to obey her when she said "Sit!"

most people obey the law and wear their seat belts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• follow
• observe
• conform (to)
• adhere (to)
• comply (with)
• abide by
• keep to
• mind
• fall in with
• submit (to)
• goose-step (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• hear
• defer (to)
• agree (to)
• heed
• watch
• accede (to)
• regard
• take
• listen (to)
• assent (to)
• notice
• attend
• acquiesce (to)
• note
• mark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disobey
• defy
• refuse
• dare
• challenge
• lead
• rebel (against)
• ignore
• renounce
• direct
• repudiate
• disregard
• violate
• dismiss
• pass over
• overlook
• disoblige
• break
• brush (off)
• transgress
• resist
• infringe
• wink (at)
• oppose
• breach
• flout
• fight
• pooh
• withstand
• scorn
• mock
• tune out
• revolt (against)
• deride
• scoff (at)
• combat
• shrug off
• contest
• dispute
• overpass
• buck
• pooh-pooh
• mutiny (against)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obey

Either obey the law, or go to jail, there's no third option. —Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025

While the breed may not always leap to obey commands, early training and socialization can channel that intelligence into loyal companionship. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025

Other restrictions include fealty to the concept that a husband is the head of the family, and his wife is legally bound to obey him. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 17 June 2025

District courts District courts are required to obey the precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court and the appeals court circuit in which they’re located. —Jacob Turcotte, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025