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.

Rubio said Iran would need to accept U.S. terms and comply with them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Supermarkets and other big stores that sell groceries won’t need to do anything different to comply with the rule changes.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

In the move Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency extends the deadline for companies to comply with a 2023 rule transitioning refrigerators and air conditioners off HFCs and onto new cooling technologies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The government said tech firms must protect children online and it backs regulator Ofcom "to act against those who fail to comply".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Dad, a company man through and through, had no choice but to comply with Mr. Van Dyke’s orders.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Vocabulary lists containing comply

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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