compliance

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noun com·pli·ance \ kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s \

Definition of compliance

1 a :the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen or to coercion

Patient compliance in completing the treatment regimens was excellent.
—Georgia A. Chrousos

b :conformity in fulfilling official requirements

His actions were in compliance with state law.

2 :a disposition to yield to others

3 :the ability of an object to yield elastically when a force is applied :flexibility

See compliance defined for English-language learners

See compliance defined for kids

Examples of compliance in a Sentence

She was rewarded for her compliance.
There has been a low rate of compliance with the new law.

Recent Examples of compliance from the Web

For example, some may decide to follow Winn-Dixie and rely on guidance, i.e., the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Levels A and AA, as the measure of compliance with the ADA.

— carol c. lumpkin and stephanie n. moot, miamiherald, "South Florida businesses, get ready for a wave of website-accessibility lawsuits," 27 Aug. 2017
In her season with the Blazers, she was involved in all aspects of the program, including coaching, recruiting, budgeting, compliance and fitness.

— samford athletics, AL.com, "Samford names Haley Wilson head women's golf coach," 24 Aug. 2017
What the inspector really did was raise questions about compliance.

— politifact, Teen Vogue, "4 Times Trump and His Cabinet Have Lied About Immigration," 16 Aug. 2017
In a statement, Matiangi said a committee will be formed to look into allegations that the two groups had tax compliance issues and one was not registered.

— tom odula, chicagotribune.com, "Kenya opposition says it will challenge results of presidential election in court," 16 Aug. 2017
Trustaff employs 300 employees at the Blue Ash headquarters, including accounting and administration support, clinical coordinators, compliance experts, account managers and technology experts.

— kelly mcbride, Cincinnati.com, "Trustaff health recruiters to expand Blue Ash office," 2 Aug. 2017
A bill before Parliament to transfer the regulation of the claims-management industry from the MoJ to the Financial Conduct Authority, a stricter supervisor, will also help, says Rob Cooper of Scott Robert, a compliance consultancy.

— The Economist, "Holiday cons“Puke for payout”, the scam making holiday firms sick," 20 July 2017
For the second time since Trump took office, the administration determined that Iran was in compliance, according to three officials who briefed reporters Monday night on the condition of anonymity.

— kambiz foroohar, Bloomberg.com, "Zarif Says Iran Won't Seek Nuclear Arms as Trump Knocks Deal," 18 July 2017
Under the agreement the State Department must update Congress on Iran’s compliance every 90 days.

— margaret hartmann, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Recertifies Iran Nuclear Deal After Arguing With His Own Advisers: Report," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compliance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of compliance

see comply

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1630

See Words from the same year

compliance Synonyms

Synonyms

acquiescence, biddability, compliancy, deference, docility, obedience, submissiveness

Antonyms

defiance, disobedience, intractability, recalcitrance

Near Antonyms

animosity, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

COMPLIANCE Defined for English Language Learners

compliance

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noun

Definition of compliance for English Language Learners

: the act or process of doing what you have been asked or ordered to do : the act or process of complying

Medical Dictionary

compliance

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noun com·pli·ance \ kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s \

medical Definition of compliance

1 :the ability or process of yielding to changes in pressure without disruption of structure or function

a study of pulmonary compliance

the tone of colonic muscle as judged by compliance of the gut wall
—S. C. Truelove

2 :the process of complying with a regimen of treatment

simplified drug regimens may encourage better compliance

Law Dictionary

compliance

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noun com·pli·ance \ kəm-ˈplī-əns \

legal Definition of compliance

1 :an act or process of complying with a demand or recommendation

2 :observance of official requirements

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Origin and Etymology of compliance

compliance Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Government and Politics Terms

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Related Phrases

COMPLIANCE Defined for English Language Learners

compliance

Definition of compliance for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

compliance

medical Definition of compliance

Law Dictionary

compliance

legal Definition of compliance

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