compliant

[ kuhm-plahy-uhnt ]

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

/ kəmˈplaɪənt /

adjective

1. complying, obliging, or yielding

Derived Forms

• comˈpliantly, adverb
• comˈpliantness, noun

Other Words From

• com·pliant·ly adverb
• over·com·pliant adjective
• precom·pliant adjective
• quasi-com·pliant adjective
• quasi-com·pliant·ly adverb
• uncom·pliant adjective
• uncom·pliant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliant¹

First recorded in 1635–45; comply + -ant

Example Sentences

And a Republican Congress has already proved compliant to Mr. Trump’s norm bending.

From New York Times

This illusion of safety and normalcy is very dangerous; it is one of the primary ways that authoritarian leaders take control of a society and create compliant subjects.

From Salon

“We returned the money to be compliant with city and state laws,” said Meraz, the De León campaign consultant.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC has said that the audience “must be compliant with the BBC’s duties as a public service broadcaster, which are not the same as for a party event.”

From BBC

According to the indictment, participants were allegedly coerced with drugs and threats to remain “obedient and compliant”.

From BBC

Related Words

• docile
• flexible
• willing