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

Ashok Mahtani, co-founder and chairman of Alpine Group and Paradise Textiles, said these measures were designed to make Paradise Textiles’ products more compliant to growing environmental regulations such as the European Union’s Digital Passport for Textiles. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2026

My father has a roof that’s in good shape, is compliant for insurance, and does not require a $37,000 replacement. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

This one from Bagsmart is 3-1-1-compliant and spacious enough to hold toiletries, medication, and makeup—all instantly visible. —Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026

The company, primarily based in New York and London, specializes in audio technology and offers a vast database of licensed and copyright-compliant voices that uses can access as an AI platform. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 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