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

Guests who visit are treated to a fun camp-like experience, albeit a step up from traditional camping, thanks to modern amenities, a restaurant serving up regional specialties crafted with local ingredients, and ADA-compliant rooms so those of all mobility needs can stay. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026

What’s more, there’s a major shortage of compliant vessels. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026

The legislation says that the identification must be compliant with new REAL ID rules and also indicate that the applicant is a citizen of the United States — which few state licenses do. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

The podcaster, calm and compliant, is allowed to go back inside and change into clothes, then cuffed. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 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

• 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