Contumaciousness refers to the quality of being disobedient or rebellious. Some antonyms for this word include obedience, compliance, submission, and submissiveness. These words suggest a willingness to follow established rules and authorities, and to yield to the expectations of others. In contrast, contumaciousness implies a certain defiance, an unwillingness to conform or to submit to authority. Other antonyms for this word might include acquiescence, docility, conformity, and deference. Each of these words suggests a certain level of obedience or conformity, and can be used to describe behavior that is in opposition to contumaciousness.