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

Non-zoning law compliant towns also need funding for necessary projects. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

With the perfect balance of size and magnification, the compact Lunt SUNoculars 8x32 roof prism solar binoculars have a solid build quality paired with ISO 12312-2 compliant white-light glass solar filters permanently positioned on the front of the objective lenses. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025

Accessibility and Sustainability There are nine ADA-compliant rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. —Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025

For larger, already-compliant firms, the changes formalize existing practices rather than forcing dramatic shifts. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Nov. 2025

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

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

Kids Definition

compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt 

: ready or willing to comply : submissive

compliantly adverb