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

UC Davis did not indicate whether it would comply with the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

It would create a regulator to ensure tech firms comply.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 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

When the ban went into effect in 1920, reformers who had campaigned for it were pleased, but plenty of Americans refused to comply with the new rules.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

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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