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.

Such programs, which exist in every state, help public water systems pay for infrastructure projects to comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 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

An Australian federal court upheld on Thursday a fine against Elon Musk's X for failing to comply with child internet safety regulations, capping a three year legal fight between the tech giant and Canberra.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

It is an extraordinary record given the financial restrictions the club have worked under - selling talent every year to comply with Profit and Sustainability rules.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

I did feel different: larger, fuller, more complete, no longer divided against myself—compulsion to comply against wish to refuse.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Vocabulary lists containing comply

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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