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 resolution welcomes the ICJ opinion "as an authoritative contribution to the clarification of existing international law" and calls on states to "comply with their respective obligations" to protect the global climate.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

However, it said the provider had failed "to comply with its duties to assess and mitigate the risk of people in the UK encountering illegal content on its service".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Alabama, however, refused to comply with that order.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

“To ride a motorcycle or moped, you need to have the appropriate driver’s license and comply with rules of the road.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Ratwatte continued: “All the guys had to do was tell the controller, ‘We don’t have the fuel to comply with what you are trying to do.’

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Vocabulary lists containing comply

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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