Synonyms of law-abiding

law-abiding

adjective

ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ 

as in obedient

readily giving in to the command or authority of another

the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obedient
• compliant
• docile
• restrained
• submissive
• tractable
• biddable
• amenable
• meek
• conformable
• decorous
• gentle
• repressed
• amiable
• controllable
• dutiful
• soft
• obliging
• acquiescent
• subordinate
• orderly
• tame
• agreeable
• servile
• disciplined
• governable
• obsequious
• subservient
• surrendering
• yielding
• mannerly
• manageable
• constrained
• slavish
• duteous
• mild
• fawning
• placable
• teachable
• obeisant
• inhibited
• trainable
• kowtowing
• disciplinable
• curbed
• handleable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• wayward
• defiant
• unruly
• disobedient
• willful
• contrary
• restive
• noncompliant
• refractory
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• contumacious
• rebel
• stubborn
• ungovernable
• insurgent
• mutinous
• obstinate
• untoward
• wild
• headstrong
• balky
• hardheaded
• obdurate
• unyielding
• uncontrollable
• peevish
• dogged
• mulish
• defiant
• unmanageable
• resistant
• unamenable
• disorderly
• incompliant
• perverse
• mischievous
• bad
• froward
• naughty
• errant
• pigheaded
• undisciplined
• self-willed
• dissident
• balky
• nonconformist
• insolent
• impudent
• disrespectful
• rude
• impolite
• misbehaving
• ill-bred
• ill-mannered

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of law-abiding

Congress needs to work towards comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens security while providing a fair pathway to citizenship for long-standing, law-abiding immigrants. — Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

With a subjective standard, an applicant who is quiet, polished and familiar to the licensing office may pass this test, while another who is equally law-abiding but perhaps less polished or more socially awkward may fail. — George A. Mocsary, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Russia and China are using lawfare—strategically and intentionally exploiting gaps in international law—to thwart law-abiding states’ attempts to stop the shadow fleet. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

To raise law-abiding, good people who love their family members and lend a helping hand when needed. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 June 2026