Obey — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ō-ˈbā/

Meaning & Definition of Obey

Obey (verb)

  1. to follow the commands or guidance of
  2. to conform to or comply with
  3. to behave obediently

Obey (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: adhere (to), comply (with), conform (to), follow, goose-step (to), mind, observe, abide by, fall in with, keep to
    related: defer (to), submit (to), surrender (to), yield (to), accede (to), acquiesce (to), agree (to), assent (to), attend, hear, heed, listen (to), mark, note, notice, regard, take, watch
    opposite: defy, disobey, rebel (against)
    near: disoblige, challenge, dare, refuse, renounce, repudiate, direct, lead, brush (off), disregard, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, tune out, wink (at), dismiss, pooh-pooh, shrug off, breach, break, infringe, transgress, violate, deride, flout, mock, scoff (at), scorn, mutiny (against), revolt (against), buck, combat, contest, dispute, fight, oppose, resist, withstand

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Obey

The most common words with a similar meaning to Obey:

adhere (to), comply (with), conform (to), follow, goose-step (to), mind, observe, abide by, fall in with, keep to

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Obey

Words with the opposite meaning of Obey:

defy, disobey, rebel (against)

Related Words for Obey

defer (to), submit (to), surrender (to), yield (to), accede (to), acquiesce (to), agree (to), assent (to), attend, hear, heed, listen (to), mark, note, notice, regard, take, watch

Near Antonyms of Obey

disoblige, challenge, dare, refuse, renounce, repudiate, direct, lead, brush (off), disregard, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, tune out, wink (at), dismiss, pooh-pooh, shrug off, breach, break, infringe, transgress, violate, deride, flout, mock, scoff (at), scorn, mutiny (against)

Word Forms of Obey

Inflections: obeyed, obeying

Derived words: obeyer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Obey

Middle English obeien, borrowed from Anglo-French obeir, going back to Latin oboedīre, from ob- "toward, in the direction of" + -oedīre, probably unstressed form (with -oe- of uncertain origin) of audīre "to hear" ob-, audible:1

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Obey

Frequently Asked Questions about Obey

What does "Obey" mean?

"Obey" means to follow the commands or guidance of. As a verb, it is defined as: to follow the commands or guidance of.

What is another word for "Obey"?

Other words for "Obey" include adhere (to), comply (with), conform (to), follow, goose-step (to), mind, observe and abide by. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Obey" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Obey"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Obey". Common alternatives include adhere (to), comply (with), conform (to), follow, goose-step (to), mind, observe, abide by, fall in with and keep to.

What is the opposite of "Obey"?

Antonyms of "Obey" include defy, disobey and rebel (against). Near antonyms include disoblige, challenge, dare and refuse.

How do you use "Obey" in a sentence?

Examples of "Obey" in a sentence: "she taught her dog to obey her when she said Sit!"; "most people obey the law and wear their seat belts".

Is "Obey" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Obey" is a verb.

Is "Obey" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Obey" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Obey"?

"Obey" is pronounced /ō-ˈbā/.