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 U.S. military fired on the Palau-flagged Settebello Wednesday after the oil tanker failed to comply with American instructions, according to U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

On Monday, US forces hit The Marivex, also a Palau-flagged oil tanker with an Indian crew, in the Gulf of Oman after it failed to comply with US instructions, Centcom said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

UC Davis did not indicate whether it would comply with the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

While the tax would comply with federal rules, it would raise less revenue than the state’s current Medicaid tax and increase premiums for a typical commercial family plan by roughly $400 a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

But again he didn’t comply, evidently determined to extort money and obstruct justice.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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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