What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obedience
Example
The soldiers showed obedience to their commanding officer. [obedience: noun]
Example
She obeyed her parents' rules and curfew. [obeyed: verb]
submission
Example
The defeated army was forced into submission. [submission: noun]
Example
He submitted to his boss's demands to work overtime. [submitted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obedience is more commonly used than submission in everyday language, especially in contexts related to authority, rules, or orders. Submission is less common and can have negative connotations of weakness or subjugation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obedience and submission?
Obedience is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, while submission can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but often carries a negative connotation.
