abide by

verb

abided by; abiding by; abides by
Synonyms of abide bynext

transitive verb

: to accept or conform to without objection
abide by the rules/law
will abide by your decision

Examples of abide by in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many ostrich defenders had truly suffered from those measures—refusal to abide by public-health rules had cost some of them their jobs, homes, even access to their children. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 Hollywood generally abides by the rule of three, so Hawke says a trilogy depends on Derrickson. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 In general, art made for adults tends to abide by this taboo. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026 The grand jury soundly rejected that legal theory, nor did the state abide by it when calculating how much was owed to the federal government. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abide by

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abide by was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Abide by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abide%20by. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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