disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s 

-ō-ˈbē-

: refusal or neglect to obey

Synonyms

• balkiness
• contrariness
• contumacy
• defiance
• frowardness
• insubordination
• intractability
• obstreperousness
• rebellion
• rebelliousness
• recalcitrance
• refractoriness
• unruliness
• waywardness
• willfulness

Examples of disobedience in a Sentence

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher.

The dog was punished for its disobedience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pardons have sometimes been used in the past — in some cases wisely, in others not — to turn the page on divisive episodes of civil disorder and disobedience. —The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025

That kind of aspirational-prediction dynamic is informing Trump’s disobedience of congressional statutes that limit his control over the executive branch. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025

These laws sought to punish the people of Massachusetts for their disobedience during the Boston Tea Party by suspending civil government and trial by jury, among other things. —Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025

Yes From an early age, we are taught that obedience is good, and disobedience is bad. —Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disobedience

• civil disobedience

Rhymes for disobedience

• expedience
• obedience

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s 

: failure or refusal to obey

disobedient

-ənt

adjective

disobediently adverb