disobey

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈbā How to pronounce disobey (audio)
Definition of disobeynext
as in to ignore
to go against the commands, prohibitions, or rules of students who disobey their teachers and use cell phones in class drivers who consistently disobey traffic laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 disobey Cops had issued summonses to the driver twice before, once in 2024 for failing to yield to a pedestrian and in 2018 for disobeying a traffic device, officials said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 Jeanie Buss also wants proof that Joey and Janie Buss disobeyed the 2017 court order, along with an order requiring them to show cause of why they should not be held in contempt of court. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The violations are disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer. — Charlie D'agata, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 People don’t do what they’re supposed to, or someone betrays someone else for money or power or spite, or maybe a dragon just disobeys its rider and decides to murder a prince. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disobey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disobey
  1. ignore
  2. violate
  3. defy
  4. resist
  5. mock
  6. oppose
Verb
  • Scribner’s ignored Hemingway and let Conrad use brief excerpts.
    — Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Moscow ignored that truce from the start and Kyiv vowed to retaliate.
    — Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • Among them, Carter found that the request violates federal law precluding altering of election rules on the eve of an election.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The lawsuit argues the change violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it was adopted without explanation and the First Amendment, which protects lawyers' ability to advise people of their legal rights and seek prospective clients.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of violate
Verb
  • The 2026 midterm elections are set to become the most expensive on record, as Republicans pour cash into battleground races to defy history and maintain control of Congress.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta’s revival shows how postseason fortunes can defy conventional baseball wisdom and earn second chances for players.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of defy
Verb
  • Start by resisting the urge to overpromise, and give customers credit.
    — Chris Koehler, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • California and other states resisted those efforts, noting concerns about the accuracy of the data on SAVE.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • As proof of how much of a joke this has become for people is that a sketch mocking their drama was part of the October 10 episode of Saturday Night Live UK.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026
  • There were earlier versions of this story that were openly mocking of Kip, versions that threw Leo under the bus for being too sly; versions that were too overtly political; versions with ghosts that didn’t need to be there, and so on.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of mock
Verb
  • Pass Amendment 3 to curb spending abuse Much has been printed here about why voters should oppose the adoption of Amendment 3.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Campaigns gave short shrift to Palestinian issues Israelis are largely opposed to a Palestinian state.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of oppose

Browse Nearby Words

disobedient
disobey
disobeyed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disobey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disobey. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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