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comply

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verb com·ply \ kəm-ˈplī \

Definition of comply

complied; complying
intransitive verb
1 obsolete :to be ceremoniously courteous
2 :to conform, submit, or adapt (as to a regulation or to another's wishes) as required or requested
  • comply with federal law
  • the devices comply with industry standards

See comply defined for English-language learners

See comply defined for kids

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Examples of comply in a Sentence

  1. I asked the waitress to refill my coffee cup and she happily complied.

  2. There will be penalties against individuals who fail to comply.

Recent Examples of comply from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'comply.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of comply

Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete, perform what is due, be courteous, modification of Latin complēre to complete

COMPLY Defined for English Language Learners

comply

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verb

Definition of comply for English Language Learners

  • : to do what you have been asked or ordered to do

COMPLY Defined for Kids

comply

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verb com·ply \ kəm-ˈplī \

Definition of comply for Students

complied; complying
:to act in agreement with another's wishes or in obedience to a rule
  • Everyone complied with the request.

Learn More about comply

  1. See words that rhyme with comply Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for comply Spanish Central: Translation of comply Nglish: Translation of comply for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of comply for Arabic speakers

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to curse or denounce

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

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Examples: comply in a Sentence