disobey

[dis-uh-bey] / ˌdɪs əˈbeɪ /

VERB

disregard rules; refuse to conform

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contravene defy evade flout ignore infringe misbehave overstep transgress violate

STRONG

balk counteract dare decline desert differ disagree mutiny neglect object rebel recalcitrate resist revolt revolutionize riot shirk strike withstand

WEAK

be remiss break rules fly in face of go counter to insurrect not heed not listen not mind pay no attention to revolution rise in arms run riot set aside take law into own hands

Antonyms

STRONGEST

behave obey observe

STRONG

accept agree aid assist comply concur conform consent do go along harmonize help support

WEAK

oblige regard submit

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.

He and his representatives are now threatening Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Iran and Greenland, with Venezuela serving as an object lesson of what may happen if a country dares to disobey his wishes.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2026

“You can’t put on the screen that it’s right for a young girl to disobey her father,” Nava recalled Quintanilla saying.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

Both the Nuremberg shorthand and Mr. Deluzio’s claim miss the mark: There is no general, affirmative legal duty to disobey an unlawful order.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

It’s easy for anyone to repeat the mantra “you have a duty to disobey unlawful orders”; it’s hard for me, you, and your shipmates to know and decide when and how to do that.

From Slate • Nov. 24, 2025

No one had ever dared to disobey him.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

disobey

Example Sentences

Related Words