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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.

They must obey laws, but beyond that, social media companies can filter content as they like, and anything objectionable is the responsibility of whomever posted it.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 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

A group of Chagossians are refusing to obey a removal order issued by British authorities, after landing on the Chagos Islands to protest against a deal to hand over the territory to Mauritius.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Pointedly, there was Timothy Snyder’s tidy pocket-sized handbook “On Tyranny” filled with 20 short but fortifying chapters of practical wisdom like “Do not obey in advance,” “Defend institutions” and “Believe in truth.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

Even striving to obey the law fits the profile!

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.