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.

You think you can order a Rhode Island hospital to comply with a subpoena from your court in Texas?

From Slate • May 18, 2026

Mejia said he wanted to pressure landlords to comply with the law — and pressure the city to punish the ones who don’t.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

The resolution welcomes the ICJ opinion "as an authoritative contribution to the clarification of existing international law" and calls on states to "comply with their respective obligations" to protect the global climate.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

These could be dialed up if Hong Kong refuses to comply.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

“Custody is a delicate dance, sweetie. Each side has to comply, or the judge can change the agreement.”

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

Vocabulary lists containing comply

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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