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.

While states agree to comply with federal rules when they accept federal funding, that agreement does not create a personal liability for individual prison employees, the state said.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

To comply with independence rules, Eide Bailly said it would set up an alternative practice structure whereby its nonaudit business will receive the Reverence investment and the audit business will remain a licensed CPA firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

If a nursery provider does not comply, Ofsted says it has the power to refuse, cancel and/or impose conditions on a nursery's registrations, external.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Speaking to a congressional subcommittee on April 16 about the outbreak, Kennedy noted that companies usually comply with recalls right away.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

“It is absolutely imperative that you comply with the attached order,” he warned.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing comply

ASVAB Word Knowledge

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Hate U Give

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!