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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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

Carillo delivered a speech so rousing, witty and tender all at once that following her became something of an impossibility.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Braden Montgomery singled and Colson Montgomery followed with the three-run home run, giving the Sox a 4-0 lead.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obey

verb

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