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
• wink (at)
• infringe
• oppose
• breach
• flout
• fight
• 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

Driving habits can help reduce costs The top advice for drivers looking to save at the pump is to obey the speed limit and drive smoothly, according to Consumer Reports. —Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

The top advice for drivers looking to save at the pump is to obey the speed limit and drive smoothly, according to Consumer Reports. —Matthew Daly, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

Though Jones advanced toward the officer and two other officers who responded as backup, refusing to obey numerous commands to drop the blade, police were able to form a circle around him at one point with their guns drawn, the footage shows. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

A week before the tournament began Marion County Public Health Department officials and Mayor Joe Hogsett asked attendees to make smart public health choices, such as social distancing and obeying the face masks mandate. —Shari Rudavsky, IndyStar, 27 Mar. 2026