as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another
the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
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 law-abiding
The public’s negative reaction to mass arrests of immigrants who have been law-abiding—other than entering the country illegally—is going to increase.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
In an April commentary published by the Union-Tribune, Jones argued that California’s sanctuary laws were actually harming law-abiding undocumented residents.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Polls have shown that American voters support the deportation of criminals but are less supportive of the arrest and detention of otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants.
—Ana Ceballos, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Plus, a war on immigrants, most of whom are law-abiding, pay taxes and do the work others will not do, and for low pay.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for law-abiding
Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
In an April commentary published by the Union-Tribune, Jones argued that California’s sanctuary laws were actually harming law-abiding undocumented residents.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Polls have shown that American voters support the deportation of criminals but are less supportive of the arrest and detention of otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants.
—Ana Ceballos, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Plus, a war on immigrants, most of whom are law-abiding, pay taxes and do the work others will not do, and for low pay.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for law-abiding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law-abiding
obedient
Adjective
-
The Guthrie family cowers in obedient fear of its brooding patriarch (Peter Mullan).—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
5 Aug. 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law-abiding. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share