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Definition of comply

comply

/kəmˈplaɪ/
com · ply
Adverb:compliantly
•
Adjective:compliant
•
Past Simple:complied
•
Past Participle:complied
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Present Participle:complying
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comply Lexical Profile

comply Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act in accordance with a wish, command, law, or set of regulations.

Example

"All manufacturing facilities must comply with the new environmental safety standards by the end of the year."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for comply
Antonyms
View all antonyms for comply

Word Nuance & Usage

'Comply' is an intransitive verb and must be followed by a preposition—almost always 'with'—when specifying the rule, request, or standard being followed (e.g., 'comply with the regulations,' not 'comply the regulations').

• Rhymes for comply

• Nearby Words

compliment
complimentary
complimenter
comply
component
componentry
comport

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century via Old French and Italian 'complire' from Latin 'complere' ('to fill up, complete, or fulfill'), originally carrying the sense of fulfilling a duty or courtesy before narrowing to mean acting in accordance with a command.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Comply. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/comply
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