Definitions

obey

[oh-bey] / oʊˈbeɪ /

VERB

conform, give in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accept adhere to carry out comply embrace execute heed live by observe surrender

STRONG

accede accord acquiesce agree answer assent concur discharge follow fulfill keep mind perform respond serve submit

WEAK

abide by act upon be loyal to be ruled by bow to do as one says do one's bidding do one's duty do what is expected do what one is told get in line give way hold fast knuckle under play second fiddle take orders toe the line

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline deny disregard forget ignore leave miss neglect overlook refuse reject

STRONG

argue ask differ disagree disallow disapprove disobey dispute dissent fail object oppose protest question

WEAK

mutiny rebel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beeple Studios presented “Shepard Fairey: Obey and Resist,” which leveraged AI to help guests create their own Fairey-inspired paintings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

If it is unclear whether an order is illegal, the law’s message is simple: Obey and you are likely protected; disobey and you shoulder the risk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

The baton was then passed to the next generation, as Yungblud joined him for a head-banging rendition of their collaboration Obey, and a second round of "Yorrrkshire!"s was ordered by the young star.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2022

In "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey," one of Rulon's many wives, Alicia Rohbock, recounted the prophet's dining room wall, which organized each picture of Rulon's partners in the order he married them.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2022

“Listen, eidolons,” Hazel said sternly, “you do not belong here. I may not command you, but Piper does. Obey her.”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing obey

"Nadia the Willful"

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"Rachel the Clever"

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"The New England Primer"

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