Vocabulary antonyms — Choose the word most nearly opposite to ‘‘OBEYING’’ (role-contrast antonyms tested in exams).

Given data

• Target word: OBEYING
• Options: Ordering; Following; Refusing; Contradicting

Concept/Approach
'Obeying' = acting as a subordinate who carries out instructions. In many exam keys, the antonymal contrast is framed by role: subordinate vs. commander. Thus, 'Ordering' (giving commands) is taken as the opposite role to 'obeying' (receiving/complying).

Why the other choices are not selected
Following: near in meaning (to obey = to follow).Refusing: describes non-compliance, but not the opposite role of obeying; it merely negates compliance.Contradicting: to oppose verbally; not strictly opposite to obeying instructions.

Usage lens
One party orders, the other obeys — complementary, antonymic roles in command–compliance contexts.

Final Answer
Ordering