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 country’s online safety regulator, eSafety, said in a March report that while social-media platforms had taken “some steps” to comply, a “substantial number of children” retained accounts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

But Polymarket has also taken steps to curb insider trading in order to comply with law enforcement and build trust with its customers.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

In the suit, Fowler claimed that Jay Justice blocked him from spending the money necessary to comply with environmental laws, including making court-ordered payments and repairing equipment.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

The Commission said if Meta failed to comply with its interim decision it could be fined up to 10% up of its total turnover.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“Every single person on this street is subject to a mandatory search, by high order of the Kuhani. Failure to comply may result in fines and imprisonment. Make a neat and orderly line.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

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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