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

The hotel also has 20 ADA-compliant rooms across all floors, plus 27 rooms designed around older guests with bathroom rails and shower benches. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

By involving students in the discussion and not forcing them to be compliant with rules, young people are allowed to navigate conflicts and have a voice on how to address them, Shenker said. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Accessibility and Sustainability Mohonk Mountain House has accessible entrances, routes, and dining rooms, as well as ADA-compliant guest rooms. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026

The Wolves had to add a 14th player by Tuesday to be compliant with NBA roster regulations. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 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