compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt 

1

: ready or disposed to comply : submissive

a corrupt regime aided by a compliant press

was compliant and eager to please

2

: conforming to requirements

compliant software

compliantly adverb

Synonyms of compliant

• obedient

Examples of compliant in a Sentence

I asked him for a favor, and he was compliant.

The student's shirt was not compliant with the school's dress code.

The software is compliant with the latest standards.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike conventional industrial robots that rely on rigid structures and external safety barriers, AIR uses a compliant mechanical design intended to reduce the risk of injury during accidental contact. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026

Trump ordered his government to invade Venezuela, imprison its President, elevate a more compliant one, and start extracting that nation’s oil and gold. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026

The Clyde & Co findings essentially found that the welfare framework on MAFS UK was in place at the relevant times and was compliant with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Other exemptions include properties that don't have enough room or ventilation to install a compliant water heater, along with properties with electrical limitations, such as panels below 100 amps. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ant entry 2

Note: The meaning of compliant has most likely been influenced by the etymologically unrelated word pliant.

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for compliant

• client
• giant
• pliant
• scient
• defiant
• reliant
• suppliant
• noncompliant

Kids Definition

compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt 

: ready or willing to comply : submissive

compliantly adverb