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 The human brain is a physical object, composed of biological material that obeys the laws that govern the rest of the universe, computers included. — Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026 Travelers are asked to obey all directional signage in the area to ensure worker and motorist safety. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 The difference between security agencies in democracies and secret-police forces is that the former have to obey laws and not just follow the whims of the head of state. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Beliefs Sovereign citizens reject the legitimacy of government above the county level and believe that they cannot be compelled to obey state or federal civil or criminal laws. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obey

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obey

Verb

The frenzy followed Beijing’s decision in the mid-1980s to ban imports of almost all blood products – except human albumin – amid growing fears over the global HIV/AIDS crisis.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
The group’s work with firefighters began following a 2017 blaze that destroyed thousands of homes in California’s wine country.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obey

verb

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