Dutiful, a.
1. Performing, or ready to perform, the duties required by one who has the right to claim submission, obedience, or deference; submissive to natural or legal superiors; obedient, as to parents or superiors; as, a dutiful son or daughter; a dutiful ward or servant; a dutiful subject.
2. Controlled by, proceeding from, a sense of duty; respectful; deferential; as, dutiful affection.
Syn. -- Duteous; obedient; reverent; reverential; submissive; docile; respectful; compliant. -- Du"ti*ful*ly, adv. -- Du"ti*ful*ness, n.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists dutiful only as an antonym, under obstinate, rebellious.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given