Synonyms for

Disobedience

Verb / ˌdɪsʌˈbi:di:ʌns / / ˌdɪsəʊˈbi:di:ʌns / Another word for disobedience — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Disobedience means not following rules or instructions.

Synonyms & similar words

noncompliance compliance obedience defiance noncompliance rebellion insubordination mutiny revolt willfulness contrariness stubbornness obstinacy unruliness waywardness recalcitrance disregard disrespect contempt rejection defiance opposition resistance

Synonyms by register

Formal

insubordination noncompliance defiance

Informal

backtalk sass rebellion

Literary

contrariety recalcitrance

Antonyms

obedience compliance submission acquiescence deference conformity

Common collocations

  • act of disobedience
  • blatant disobedience
  • willful disobedience
  • disobedience to authority
  • disobedience to the law
  • punishment for disobedience
  • child's disobedience

Word family

noun disobedience
verb disobey
adjective disobedient
adverb disobediently

Usage note

Disobedience generally refers to a failure to obey rules, laws, or instructions. While often negative, it can sometimes be seen as a form of protest or resistance.

Example sentences

  1. He showed disobedience by not doing his homework.
  2. Disobedience can lead to consequences.
  3. Her disobedience caused her to get in trouble.
  4. The teacher had to address the disobedience in the classroom.
  5. His disobedience towards authority figures caused him many problems in life.

Quotes

  • Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves. - Henry David Thoreau
  • Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress has been made, through disobedience and through rebellion. - Oscar Wilde
  • We must obey God rather than men. - Acts 5:29

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words