Definitions

comply

[kuhm-plahy] / kəmˈplaɪ /

VERB

abide by, follow agreement or instructions

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquiesce adhere to give in give up obey observe quit satisfy submit

STRONG

accede accord defer discharge ditto fold fulfill keep mind perform respect yield

WEAK

agree to cave in come around conform to consent to cry uncle don't make waves don't rock the boat fit in give out go along with go with the flow knuckle to knuckle under play ball play the game put out roll over and play dead shape up stay in line straighten up throw in towel toss it in yes one

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disobey dissuade

STRONG

condemn deny disallow disapprove fail ignore neglect oppose prevent refuse withhold

WEAK

decline rebuff reject resist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Judges accustomed to having government lawyers comply with their orders have been left fuming.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Centcom said on Thursday that in the first 72 hours of the blockade, 14 vessels had "turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

This, prosecutors said, was because they did not comply with NHS sleep guidance, could be too hot indoors and had a soft surface that could surround a baby's head and face.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

A government ethics official certified Warsh will comply with ethics rules after divesting some holdings if confirmed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Especially at his death, Sverrisson believed it was his duty to fully comply with Bobby’s requests.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing comply

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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The Hate U Give

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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