OBEY Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

obey

verb

ō-ˈbā

Definition of obey

as in to follow

to act according to the commands of she taught her dog to obey her when she said "Sit!" most people obey the law and wear their seat belts

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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 obey Six additional citations — speeding, improper passing, failing to drive in a single lane, following too closely, failing to obey traffic control and running a red light — have been added to his charges. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026 In China, filial piety is a core virtue; children traditionally are required to respect, obey and care for their parents. — Huiyee Chiew and Lyric Li The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026 Arguably, most Russian elites have not obeyed the Kremlin out of deep loyalty or ideological alignment throughout Putin’s long reign. — Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 His wishes were largely obeyed — until the third Test in Soweto last weekend, where the home crowd whistled and cheered during the haka. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obey

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obey

Verb

Slide 1 of 15 The entries included license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles and descriptions of law enforcement personnel Willie Herndon believed were following him, the complaint said.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
That was soon followed by two short drives, both finished by junior running back Dylan Riley.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of follow

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obesity

obey

obeyed

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“Obey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obey. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obey

verb

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