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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 obey
The House version is more focused on contempt enforcement when nationwide injunctions are not obeyed after they are handed down.
—
Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Nuestra Familia is the brain trust that runs these street gangs, with its leaders virtually guaranteed to die in prison cells, yet feared or respected enough that their orders are obeyed.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Finally obeying the Supreme Court’s ruling 9-0 to return to the U.S. Kilmar Abrego García, the Maryland man with legal protections who was illegally sent to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, the Trump administration has followed the law and brought him back.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
But having obeyed the rules and been through that difficult spell, there is belief the club can spend on a big enough scale this summer.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obey
Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Nuestra Familia is the brain trust that runs these street gangs, with its leaders virtually guaranteed to die in prison cells, yet feared or respected enough that their orders are obeyed.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Finally obeying the Supreme Court’s ruling 9-0 to return to the U.S. Kilmar Abrego García, the Maryland man with legal protections who was illegally sent to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador, the Trump administration has followed the law and brought him back.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
But having obeyed the rules and been through that difficult spell, there is belief the club can spend on a big enough scale this summer.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obey
follow
Verb
-
After going down 3-1 in the bottom of the second, Lindor hit the first of the trio of third-inning homers, with Nimmo and Soto following suit to put the Mets back on top, 4-3.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
-
Safety Tips for Marinating Meat To keep marinated meat safe and prevent foodborne illness, follow these safety guidelines: Always refrigerate: Store marinating meat in the refrigerator.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obey. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share