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.

Israel insists that its actions comply with international law.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The telecoms billionaire will be freed on May 11 and will "need to comply with all conditions" until his probation ends, including wearing an electronic monitor, the department said in a statement.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Days later, Chinese authorities announced a review of the deal in January, saying that cross-border acquisitions and the export of technology must comply with the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

We are more likely to comply with the request if there is a power imbalance and we feel wrong-footed.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

“It is absolutely imperative that you comply with the attached order,” he warned.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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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