Definitions

obey

[oh-bey] / oʊˈbeɪ /

VERB

conform, give in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accept adhere to carry out comply embrace execute heed live by observe surrender

STRONG

accede accord acquiesce agree answer assent concur discharge follow fulfill keep mind perform respond serve submit

WEAK

abide by act upon be loyal to be ruled by bow to do as one says do one's bidding do one's duty do what is expected do what one is told get in line give way hold fast knuckle under play second fiddle take orders toe the line

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline deny disregard forget ignore leave miss neglect overlook refuse reject

STRONG

argue ask differ disagree disallow disapprove disobey dispute dissent fail object oppose protest question

WEAK

mutiny rebel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"But ultimately, any decision that the leadership of the revolution announces is obligatory and we will obey."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Although the number of younger women who believe wives should obey their husbands was lower than their male counterparts, the proportion was still higher than Boomer men.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

“In the moment when you are dealing with law enforcement officials, you obey their orders so you can get home safely,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

They were forced to obey him out of fear, and to constitute a government of which he made himself prince.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing obey

"Nadia the Willful"

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"Rachel the Clever"

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"The New England Primer"

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