compliance
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for compliance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of following rules, laws, or requests set by others.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use compliance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ensure compliance
compliance with regulations
compliance department
Etymology
From comply plus the noun ending -ance.
Full origin of compliance →Frequently asked questions
What does “compliance” mean?
The word “compliance” means the act of following rules, laws, or requests set by others. In plain terms, following the rules — whether laws, regulations, or someone's wishes.
How do you pronounce “compliance”?
“Compliance” is pronounced kuhm-PLEYE-uhns (/kəmˈplaɪ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “compliance” in a sentence?
Here is “compliance” used in a sentence: “The factory was inspected to ensure compliance with safety regulations.”
What is another word for “compliance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compliance” include compliancy.
What is the opposite of “compliance”?
The opposite of “compliance” — its antonyms — are non-compliance, noncompliance and violation.
What part of speech is “compliance”?
“Compliance” is a noun.
Is “compliance” a common word?
“Compliance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between compliance and conformity?
Compliance is following specific rules, laws or requests set by others, often because you are required to. Conformity is more general, meaning matching your behaviour to a group's norms or expectations, which may be informal and unspoken rather than an explicit rule.
What is the difference between compliance and adherence?
Both mean following rules or instructions. 'Compliance' often carries a sense of obeying an external authority or requirement, sometimes reluctantly. 'Adherence' suggests sticking closely and consistently to a standard, plan or agreement, and is common in medical contexts such as adherence to a treatment.
What is the difference between compliance and enforcement?
Compliance is the act of following rules and requirements. Enforcement is the act of making sure others follow them, usually carried out by an authority through checks, penalties or legal action. One is about obeying the rules, the other about upholding them.
