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

• amenable
• biddable
• conformable
• docile
• law-abiding
• obedient
• submissive
• tractable

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

Under this definition, an electronic invoice is one that contains all the information required by the VAT Directive and is issued, transmitted, and received in a structured electronic format compliant with the EN 16931 standard. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

When we are rewarded for compliant behavior, our brain rewards us with a hit of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. —Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025

Its sleek build is carry-on-size compliant for most airlines and fits effortlessly into overhead compartments. —Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2025

When that happens, people must have identification compliant with the act to pass through airport security or enter federal buildings. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 31 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt 

: ready or willing to comply : submissive

compliantly adverb