obedient
/əˈbiːdiənt/
ADJECTIVE
1. Willing to obey authority
Willing to comply with the commands, orders, or instructions of those in authority.
1.1. Following commands and instructions
Willingly following orders, directions, or instructions given by someone in authority.
Synonyms
- compliant
- acquiescent
- amenable
- biddable
- docile
- dutiful
- obedient
- submissive
- tractable
- yielding
- law-abiding
- dutiful
Antonyms
- disobedient
- defiant
- insubordinate
- noncompliant
- rebellious
- recalcitrant
- contumacious
- unruly
- ungovernable
- unyielding
Examples
- The well-trained dog proved to be remarkably obedient in following commands.
- The disciplined soldier remained obedient to orders, executing each command with precision.
- The loyal assistant was consistently obedient to the manager's directives.
Related Words
- discipline
- authority
- submission
- compliance
- conformity
- deference
- respect
- loyalty
- adherence
1.2. Respectful and deferential behavior
Showing willingness to follow authority through respectful, submissive, or dutiful behavior.
Synonyms
- deferential
- respectful
- obeisant
- dutiful
- reverential
- subservient
- meek
- submissive
Antonyms
Examples
- The obedient student listened respectfully to the teacher's instructions.
- He remained obedient and deferential toward the monastery's spiritual leader.
Related Words
- reverence
- respectfulness
- humility
- loyalty
- deference
- submission
1.3. Easy to manage or control
Being docile, manageable, and responsive to training, guidance, or control.
Synonyms
- docile
- manageable
- controllable
- governable
- tractable
- trainable
- biddable
- malleable
- tame
- well-trained
Antonyms
- unmanageable
- uncontrollable
- ungovernable
- intractable
- refractory
- unruly
- headstrong
- stubborn
Examples
- The obedient horse responded calmly to every command from its trainer.
- The children were obedient and well-behaved throughout the school activity.
Related Words
- trainability
- discipline
- docility
- cooperation
- self-control
- behavior