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

New and current producers can also find resources on the DCC website, which helps navigate applying for a license, remaining compliant, understanding cannabis labor laws and more. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Closures may impact some handicapped parking spaces, but staff will designate an equal number of temporary ADA-compliant spaces for use, officials said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

Subsequent virtual visits would distinguish compliant from non-compliant parents. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026

The most effective approach is to act early, stay compliant and understand how each decision affects your timeline. —Nick Perry, USA Today, 14 Apr. 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
• supergiant

Kids Definition

compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt 

: ready or willing to comply : submissive

compliantly adverb