compliant

adjective

com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt How to pronounce compliant (audio)
Synonyms of compliant
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

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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
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.
Airwallex—which has taken a hefty investment from Visa—is also backing a startup called Metal that is building a blockchain designed to be compliant with all local financial regulations right out of the box. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Both homes later passed follow-up inspections and were labeled compliant. — Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 The review will examine users’ access, search requirements, supervisory oversight, auditing practices and the frequency of compliant reviews, Bottoms said. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Villa have carried their own high wage bill in recent seasons, dislodging Tottenham from the top six, but that has required them to sell to balance the books and remain compliant with financial rules. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compliant

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of compliant was in 1642

Rhymes for compliant

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Browse Nearby Words

compliancy
compliant
complicacy
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Cite this Entry

“Compliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compliant. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compliant

adjective
com·​pli·​ant kəm-ˈplī-ənt How to pronounce compliant (audio)
: ready or willing to comply : submissive
compliantly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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