abide by
Array
VERB
1. Following rules, laws, or regulations
To act in accordance with established rules, laws, regulations, or requirements and avoid violating them.
1.1. Obeying rules and regulations
To follow rules, regulations, or instructions by behaving in the way they require.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Drivers must abide by the rules of the road to ensure everyone's safety.
- All visitors are expected to abide by the building's security regulations.
Related Words
- regulation
- compliance
- obedience
- rule
- requirement
- conform
1.2. Following laws and legal requirements
To act according to laws, legal obligations, or official requirements imposed by an authority.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- break
- violate
- infringe
- contravene
- disobey
- flout
Examples
- Every citizen is expected to abide by the laws of the country.
- Businesses must abide by environmental regulations when disposing of industrial waste.
Related Words
- legislation
- statute
- legal obligation
- lawfulness
- jurisdiction
- enforcement
VERB
2. Keeping promises, agreements, or commitments
To honor and fulfill promises, agreements, contracts, or commitments that one has accepted or undertaken.
2.1. Honoring agreements and contracts
To fulfill the terms and conditions of an agreement, contract, or formal arrangement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Both parties agreed to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract.
- The supplier must abide by the delivery schedule specified in the agreement.
Related Words
2.2. Keeping promises and commitments
To remain faithful to a promise or personal commitment and do what one has said one will do.
Synonyms
- keep
- honor
- fulfill
- live up to
- stand by
- make good on
- follow through on
Antonyms
Examples
- She always tries to abide by the promises she makes to her family.
- A trustworthy leader should abide by their commitments to the community.
Related Words
- promise
- pledge
- commitment
- reliability
- faithfulness
- integrity
VERB
3. Accepting and following a decision or principle
To accept a decision, principle, belief, or position and remain committed to it.
3.1. Accepting and respecting a decision
To accept a decision or judgment and act in accordance with it, even when one may not have personally chosen it.
Synonyms
- accept
- submit to
- concede to
- acquiesce to
- agree to
- consent to
- defer to
Antonyms
Examples
- Although he disagreed with the ruling, he decided to abide by the court's decision.
- The team agreed to abide by the committee's final judgment.
Related Words
- decision
- judgment
- authority
- acceptance
- consent
- submission
3.2. Remaining faithful to principles or beliefs
To continue following a personal, moral, or ideological principle and maintain commitment to its values.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She continues to abide by the principles of honesty and fairness.
- The organization aims to abide by its founding values in every decision.