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Synonyms

compliant

American  
[kuhm-plahy-uhnt] / kəmˈplaɪ ənt /

adjective

  1. complying; obeying, obliging, or yielding, especially in a submissive way.

    a man with a compliant nature.

  2. manufactured or produced in accordance with a specified body of rules (usually used in combination).

    Energy Star-compliant computers.


compliant British  
/ kəmˈplaɪənt /

adjective

  1. complying, obliging, or yielding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of compliant

First recorded in 1635–45; comply + -ant

Explanation

If you are willing to submit to someone's request, then you are compliant. Parents like it when their teenagers are compliant and follow the rules. Teenagers, on the other hand, are probably not as compliant as parents would like to think! The adjective compliant can also describe something that conforms or is agreeable. "The lawyers made sure that the man's will was fully compliant with state law, so that his children could not contest his desire to leave his entire estate to his dog, Fluffy." If you buy computer software that is not compliant with your operating system, it won't work properly.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing compliant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Compliant crypto companies must show they have internal controls to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

From Reuters • Apr. 25, 2023

One of the companies he founded with a longtime coal executive, ERP Compliant Fuels, is now one of the largest producers of metallurgical coal in North America.

From New York Times • Oct. 1, 2016

Compliant bureaucrats and conniving businessmen allowed Mr Ben Ali’s clan to dominate the economy, though they produced little of value.

From Economist • Apr. 28, 2016

Rick Reese, founder and CEO of Colorado-based Compliant Resources, calls his method aggressive bioremediation instead of land farming, a similar concept, mainly because it’s seen limited success.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2015

Compliant as she was in general, there were two instances, among others, in which her resolution to take her own way was not to be overcome.

From My Lady's Money by Collins, Wilkie