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 Ulysses expresses sorrowful regret for having disobeyed Zeus’ Law – essentially the Golden Rule – in sacking Troy. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026 Santana-Mateo was booked on charges of breach of peace, engaging police in a pursuit, disobeying the direction of officer, reckless driving, failure to obey a stop sign, failure to drive right, failure to obey a traffic control signal and driving the wrong way on a one way. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 In 2024, the agency claimed that X security staff sometimes had to pointedly disobey Musk in order to remain in compliance. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026 He was cited with disobeying a traffic control device, not having proof of insurance and obstructing a police officer. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 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
  • The stock that spent two years being ignored by the same investors who loaded up on Hilton and Marriott is now having its moment.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Alicia McCalla, 56, a fiction writer who has been doing voice work for five years out of her home in Atlanta, decided to ignore union suggestions and clone her voice.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • In its March 9 lawsuit, Anthropic alleged the government violated its right to free speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution by retaliating against its views on AI safety.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The administration is appealing a June ruling by a lower court that the ban probably violated the troops’ constitutional rights and cannot be enforced against those currently serving while the litigation continues.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of violate
Verb
  • The canal system that carries it from western Arizona is a gravity-defying product of 1960s optimism and more than $4 billion in building costs.
    — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • People pass through exercising, out for a run after work, in sportswear, while Curtiss looks toward the clock across the way, at the entrance to Westward Drive, as if to indicate that his legacy defies time.
    — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of defy
Verb
  • He was arrested and will be booked on felony evading, hit-and-run and felony resisting arrest, police said.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The fungus can spread between patients and resist some antifungal treatments.
    — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • The viral video of Gibson appearing to mock the Fan Expo ASL interpreter sparked backlash against the actor as well as FanExpo for platforming the controversial star.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Mel Gibson apologized Monday after video surfaced showing the actor mocking a sign language interpreter.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Verb
  • The union has opposed such a window on the belief players would feel forced into subpar contracts.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • With Gaines expected to command significant attention from opposing defenses, FIU will need other playmakers to step up.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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