obedient

[oh-bee-dee-uhnt] / oʊˈbi di ənt /

ADJECTIVE

well-behaved; submissive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attentive compliant deferential devoted docile dutiful faithful law-abiding loyal respectful subservient

WEAK

acquiescent amenable at one's beck and call biddable complaisant controllable docious duteous governable honoring in one's clutches in one's pocket in one's power obeisant obliging observant on a string pliant regardful resigned reverential sheeplike tame tractable under control venerating well-trained willing wrapped around finger yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disloyal disobedient inconsiderate inconstant neglectful unfaithful

WEAK

contrary insolent misbehaving mutinous obstinate rebellious

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.

The audience would do well to stay attuned to this goal — and how obedient Nat is willing to be.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Descriptors such as "intelligent," "obedient," "good with children," "dedicated," "calm," and "cheerful" appeared with similar frequency in both groups.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2025

“Sometimes we would just punch it and it would work,” says director Yorgos Lanthimos, who relied on more obedient cameras for past films including his Oscar-nominated “Poor Things” and “The Favourite.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

The filmmaker, whose film stars Will Smith as a detective sceptical of seemingly obedient androids, accused Musk of copying his work in a post on X.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2024

His father may have called their plow horse President Lincoln as a joke, but Macon always thought of Lincoln with fondness since he had loved him first as a strong, steady, gentle, and obedient horse.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing obedient

Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Two Kinds"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Drama

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!