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

Longeye, its founder said, was built for investigators like her — firewalled from the public, federally compliant and entirely reliant on her original detective work. —Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2026

It was supposed to be a Venezuela-style operation in which the enemy leader was eliminated and replaced by a more compliant figure within the same regime. —Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026

The roadway is being reconstructed, including resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant upgrades. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Accessibility The large-scale layout includes elevators, ramps, and accessible pathways throughout most areas of the property, and the hotel also offers ADA-compliant rooms. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 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

• 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