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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.

The other candidates agreed; Villaraigosa pledged to ensure federal detention centers comply with all health and safety rules.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

There were also issues before the World Athletics Championships when a group of Canadian athletes had to be retested after a reported 'test-tube error' meant their cheek swabs failed to comply with requirements.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"Durable, generational change takes time -- but these platforms have the capability to comply today and we certainly expect companies operating in Australia to comply with our safety laws."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Dealers have to comply with the new guidance by April 10, the RBI added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

But Van Ness refused to comply and headed Burr into his barge and back across the river to New York.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.