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.

Telling people to finish school, take care of their children and obey the law is excellent advice, but he argued that more is needed.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Instead of assuming a detailed theory from the start, scientists begin with a few broad principles they believe nature must obey and then determine what laws naturally emerge.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

One of the great strengths of American democracy is that the country’s military is nonpartisan, a trait that ensures officers and service members alike obey the Constitution and serve civilian authority.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Beginning July 1, California law enforcement agencies may issue notices of AV noncompliance when an autonomous vehicle doesn’t obey traffic laws.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

If he had become employed by their enemies, they would have had no defence, and if they had kept him on, they would have been obliged to obey him.

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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