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.

But lawmakers and intelligence experts warn that the legal picture is murkier in practice, especially if telecommunications and technology companies decide they no longer have sufficient legal protection to comply with government demands.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

Not all venues have been able to comply with regulations.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 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

"The planning system only works when everyone follows the same rules. It is not acceptable for a few people to disregard the process while most comply," the council added.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

He bent over as if to comply but faked away from me and tried to run.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

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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