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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 justices also directed the law enforcement agency to comply with the watchdog’s requests for records.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Indonesia issued summons letters to Google and Meta over their failure to comply with a social media ban for under-16s that entered into force over the weekend, the communications minister said.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

"Durable, generational change takes time - but these platforms have the capability to comply today," Inman Grant said.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Dealers have to comply with the new guidance by April 10, the RBI added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.