1
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in submissiveness
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others
the cowardly obedience with which the dictator's henchmen followed his every command
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
expectations of strict obedience to the guidelines were soon dashed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 obedience
Former officers described courts issuing release orders that intelligence officials ignored with impunity, prosecutors pursuing cases without evidence and security agencies using prolonged detention, torture and public accusations to impose political obedience.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
As the ministry at Sam Houston grew into the largest Chi Alpha chapter in the country, his teachings — including an emphasis on unquestioned obedience to spiritual leaders — spread with it, carried by former students who went on to launch chapters across Texas and beyond.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Augustinians also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
As a child performing with his brothers at the family home in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) is beaten by his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who demands obedience along with musical discipline.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
As the ministry at Sam Houston grew into the largest Chi Alpha chapter in the country, his teachings — including an emphasis on unquestioned obedience to spiritual leaders — spread with it, carried by former students who went on to launch chapters across Texas and beyond.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Augustinians also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
As a child performing with his brothers at the family home in Gary, Indiana, young Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) is beaten by his father, Joe (Colman Domingo), who demands obedience along with musical discipline.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
-
The second edition will take place in Austin from Sept 17-21, with submissions now open.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
-
Earlier this year, NIST formally acknowledged that the National Vulnerability Database can no longer keep pace with new submissions.—
Yonesy Nunez,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Instead of asking whether a purchase order was late, AI models analyze patterns such as historical supplier performance trends, lead-time adherence and variability, route-level logistics patterns, and external factors like weather or transportation disruptions.—
Rajesh Gangula,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, on the red carpets, stars kept things polished and glamorous in adherence to the famously strict dress code.—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
This veto aligns with Polis’ veto of a similar bill last year that featured a 48-hour warrant compliance requirement and stricter self-policing by the platforms.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
-
Before publishing, journalists reviewed this content in compliance with McClatchy Media’s AI policy.—
The Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Writing in the early 1890s, Nadar deployed Balzac’s reported initial mistrust and later acquiescence to the daguerreotype as an allegory of larger significance for understanding the history of invention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But as the sexist and racist nature of the MAGA machine has gained mainstream acquiescence if not acceptance, the need to keep up the appearance of diversity is less and less.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Historians have written about how the widespread fear and conformity of these periods reshaped American society in enduring ways, including the destruction of progressive political movements and both delaying and muting the Civil Rights Movement itself.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
-
Going hand-in-hand with this current backlash against bland conformity is also a desire for comfort and nostalgia, especially given how tumultuous the world seems these days.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
As with any financial strategy, these products involve trade-offs, including liquidity limitations and surrender periods, which a vetted advisor can explain in full.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
-
Cognitive surrender eliminates every one of those steps.—
Chris Rosenberg,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.—
Timothy J. Pawl,
The Conversation,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
