1
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another
the drill sergeant demanded complete and unquestioning obedience from the recruits
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2
as in submissiveness
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others
the cowardly obedience with which the dictator's henchmen followed his every command
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3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
expectations of strict obedience to the guidelines were soon dashed
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of obedience
Marin Humane offers an array of classes for you and your canine buddy, from basic obedience to scenting to agility.
—
Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024
The original Caligari, in which a mysterious doctor and his fortune-telling somnambulist commit a series of murders and drive two young people to madness, is often regarded as a critique of Germans’ blind obedience to tyrannical authority during the First World War.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
The dogs were prized by sportsmen for their obedience and hunting skills.
—Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
According to the non-fiction author and blogger Leanna Mae, who herself is Apostolic Pentecostal, refusing to cut hair is an act of obedience to the scriptures.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obedience 
Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024
The original Caligari, in which a mysterious doctor and his fortune-telling somnambulist commit a series of murders and drive two young people to madness, is often regarded as a critique of Germans’ blind obedience to tyrannical authority during the First World War.
—Elle Carroll, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
The dogs were prized by sportsmen for their obedience and hunting skills.
—Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
According to the non-fiction author and blogger Leanna Mae, who herself is Apostolic Pentecostal, refusing to cut hair is an act of obedience to the scriptures.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obedience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obedience
Noun
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Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
12 Jan. 2025
-
This special jury reviewed 35 of the official submissions for the Academy Awards International Feature Film category that were selected to screen at this year’s festival.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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All Premier League clubs are assessed for their adherence to the competition’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) each year.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
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Some companies may display certifications or seals from third-party organizations that support their adherence to CGMP standards.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appétit,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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For businesses, this means investing in transparency and compliance—challenges that could ultimately yield competitive advantages.—
Aaron Mendes,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
-
The case stems from when a Braintree tobacco and compliance inspection officer conducted a routine check at the Cumby’s on Washington Street in April of 2023.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Such acquiescence was the best possible public response from the Kremlin’s point of view.—
Michael Kimmage,
Foreign Affairs,
27 Sep. 2022
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The intrusion and lack of privacy are not being met with acquiescence; employees are outraged and calling for boundaries around what ‘Big Brother’ can use against them.—
Melissa A. Wheeler,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Insisting on a different history—or a challenging monument—did not come easily to a Jewish population that was, for centuries, intent on conformity.—
Sam Knight,
The New Yorker,
2 Jan. 2025
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As an instrument of power and control in a single-party system, the North Korean military places supreme emphasis on doctrine, hierarchy, and conformity.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The report includes the observation that civil discourse is critical to colleges and universities.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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The desert's arid climate and high altitude ensure clear skies for over 300 nights a year, with minimal light pollution, allowing the best possible conditions for the observation of the cosmos from the ground.—
Jess Thomson,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The biggest risk is that the policyholder premiums may be tied up until the surrender period of the policy.—
Tanmay Gupta,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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Pereyra negotiated his surrender through his lawyer, prosecutors confirmed to TMZ.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The end of Chevron deference to federal agencies may help businesses, universities and public interest groups in immigration lawsuits during a second Trump administration should officials enact policies like those in the first term.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
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In the end, dictators tap into something essential in human nature—the deference before a bully.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obedience
Cite this Entry
“Obedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obedience. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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