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.

Federal officials require states to issue quarantine orders if people fail to comply, with health officials checking symptoms twice daily.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

On Thursday the education minister said the ministry had closed around 350 schools since 2024 for failing to comply with safety standards.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

“There is an onus on charitable organizations to comply with applicable City regulations,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

It said those who fail to comply will be referred to the police, adding the presence of police and Welsh government traffic officers would also increase to support compliance.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

“This is a new development, courtesy of the Erudite. We have been injecting every Dauntless throughout the day, and I assume all other factions will comply as soon as possible.”

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

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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