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 local authority was also awarded £10,000 in costs after Lowe was found guilty of contempt for failing to comply with the court's order following a trial at Nottingham County Court on 18 May.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

But Polymarket has also taken steps to curb insider trading in order to comply with law enforcement and build trust with its customers.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

I don’t want another present or future Granger student to feel they have to comply with the status quo when they don’t feel comfortable doing so.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

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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