compliance

noun

kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce compliance (audio)
Definition of compliancenext
1
as in obedience
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others a strong-willed pop star who is not known for her compliance

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2
as in submission
a bending to the authority or control of another an administrator who demands prompt and unquestioning compliance from subordinates

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3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law compliance with the statute was far from universal

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compliance Multiple staffers have indicated to OutKick-Fox News that this question is currently being discussed among compliance departments across college campuses. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The home is updated to modern FEMA compliance for coastal homes with geothermal heating and cooling, according to its listing. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 The law is slated to take effect January 25, 2027, with the rules that will govern compliance now in place. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026 According to the statement, the Army Corps found the program to be out of compliance following a 2025 review, including with initial physical and biological improvements, credit delivery and credit cost. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compliance
  1. obedience
  2. submission
  3. adherence
  4. compliancy
  5. conformity
  6. conformance
  7. acquiescence
  8. observation
Noun
  • Catherine Coldstream entered a Carmelite monastery at age 24, and lived a life of prayer and obedience for 12 years.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 24 July 2026
  • The protesters named their encampment the Cascadia Free State, a sovereign enclave whose citizens pledged obedience to the transcendent laws of the cosmos.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of obedience
Noun
  • The Grammy for traditional folk had been dumped and reclassified because submissions to the category declined, said Jennifer Roe, executive director of Folk Alliance International in Kansas City.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Under state law, prosecutors have 30 days to respond after the petition’s submission, though the judge may extend that timeframe.
    — Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of submission
Noun
  • Because editors generally operate under pseudonyms, an argument succeeds not on the strength of someone’s credentials or professional status but on its evidence and adherence to Wikipedia’s policies.
    — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • Higher adherence to these diets is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
    — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • Paired with the news of Mahomes’ restructure, the Chiefs have opened up a simple path to compliancy.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2026
  • While the legislation aims to address gaps in compliancy with federal transparency rules, the Wisconsin Hospital Association argues it's not needed as the state ranks high in transparency adherence.
    — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 11 June 2025
Definition of compliancy
Noun
  • The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • The film is a reminder that conformity is never compulsory, and that putting yourself out there is the only way to find out who’s ready to catch you.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of conformity
Noun
  • Data freshness, completeness, consistency and schema conformance are tracked with dedicated alerting thresholds.
    — Lev Yatsemyrskyi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • That said, the final plat is in substantial conformance with the previous proposals, Latinovic said.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Definition of conformance
Noun
  • In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Less money coming into government coffers also means fewer goodies for the population of Moscow, whose acquiescence Putin desperately needs.
    — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • There will also be multicultural food vendors, an international marketplace, community art projects, drum circles, youth soccer, interactive art activities and family programming designed to encourage participation rather than simply observation.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • This proactive approach, combining data analysis with direct observation and long-term vision, positions them for superior returns.
    — James Nelson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of observation

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complexness
compliance
compliances
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Cite this Entry

“Compliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compliance. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of compliance for Spanish Speakers

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