obeisant
/əˈbeɪsənt/
ADJECTIVE
1. Showing respect and deference
Showing a respectful or submissive attitude toward someone, especially a person of higher status or authority.
1.1. Respectful and deferential behavior
Displaying politeness, reverence, or deference toward someone regarded as superior or deserving of respect.
Synonyms
- deferential
- respectful
- reverential
- courtly
- mannerly
- decorous
- courteous
- reverent
Antonyms
- disrespectful
- insolent
- impudent
- ill-mannered
- rude
- impolite
- defiant
Examples
- The courtiers were expected to be obeisant in the presence of the royal family.
- The ancient ritual required the initiates to be obeisant to the traditions passed down through generations.
- The students remained obeisant toward their respected martial arts instructor.
Related Words
- respect
- deference
- reverence
- homage
- veneration
- courtesy
- humility
- salutation
1.2. Obedient and submissive to authority
Willingly complying with commands, instructions, or expectations from someone in a position of authority.
Synonyms
- obedient
- compliant
- acquiescent
- amenable
- biddable
- docile
- dutiful
- submissive
- tractable
- yielding
- obliging
Antonyms
- disobedient
- insubordinate
- noncompliant
- rebellious
- recalcitrant
- contumacious
- unruly
- unamenable
- headstrong
- unyielding
Examples
- The disciplined soldiers stood obeisant before their commanding officer, awaiting orders.
- The loyal assistant remained consistently obeisant to the CEO's directives, ensuring smooth operations.
Related Words
- obedience
- submission
- compliance
- discipline
- deference
- subordination
- conformity
- loyalty
- adherence
1.3. Excessively submissive or servile
Showing excessive eagerness to please or flatter someone in authority through exaggerated submission and deference.
Synonyms
- obsequious
- servile
- subservient
- fawning
- kowtowing
- slavish
- sycophantic
Antonyms
- assertive
- independent
- self-respecting
- self-reliant
- unsubmissive
Related Words
- sycophancy
- flattery
- servility
- ingratiation
- subservience
- toadyism
- brown-nosing