obedience
/əˈbiːdiəns/
NOUN
1. The quality of being obedient
The quality or state of complying with commands, instructions, rules, or the authority of another person.
1.1. Compliance with commands and instructions
The act or quality of following orders, instructions, or requests from someone in authority.
Synonyms
- compliance
- acquiescence
- submission
- submissiveness
- docility
- dutifulness
- conformity
- deference
- tractability
- amenability
- obedience to authority
Antonyms
- disobedience
- defiance
- insubordination
- noncompliance
- rebellion
- resistance
- contumacy
- recalcitrance
Examples
- The dog demonstrated remarkable obedience by responding to every command from its owner.
- In military training, soldiers are instilled with a sense of discipline and obedience.
- The teacher praised the students for their exemplary obedience during the school assembly.
Related Words
- discipline
- respect
- duty
- loyalty
- adherence
- observance
- respectfulness
- subordination
- cooperation
1.2. Willing acceptance and agreement
The willingness to accept, agree with, or follow another person's wishes, decisions, or authority.
Synonyms
- acquiescence
- compliance
- assent
- consent
- acceptance
- agreement
- submission
- conformity
- yielding
Antonyms
- disagreement
- dissent
- defiance
- resistance
- refusal
- noncompliance
Examples
- Her obedience to the new regulations helped the organization maintain consistency.
- The agreement depended on the obedience of all parties to the established conditions.
Related Words
- cooperation
- deference
- receptiveness
- willingness
- concession
- agreement
NOUN
2. A body of persons subject to authority
The collective body of persons who are subject to a particular authority or superior.
2.1. Religious or institutional subordination
A group of people organized under the jurisdiction or authority of a particular religious superior or institution.
Synonyms
- subordinates
- subjects
- dependents
Related Words
- authority
- jurisdiction
- hierarchy
- subordination
- religious order
NOUN
3. An official written instruction
A written instruction issued by the superior of a religious order to those under their authority.
3.1. Formal religious directives
An official written command or directive issued by a superior to members of a religious order.
Synonyms
- directive
- instruction
- order
- command
Related Words
NOUN
4. An official position under an abbot
An official position or office under the jurisdiction of an abbot.
4.1. Monastic administrative position
An official role or position within a monastery that falls under the jurisdiction of an abbot.
Synonyms
- office
- post
- position
Related Words
- abbot
- monastery
- monastic office
- jurisdiction
- religious order