OpenSynonym

abides by

Array

VERB

1. Obeying rules, laws, or regulations

To act in accordance with established rules, laws, regulations, or official requirements by following what they prescribe.

1.1. Complying with rules and regulations

To follow rules, regulations, or established guidelines by behaving in the manner they require.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • He abides by the rules set forth by the organization to maintain order and fairness.
  • The team captain ensures that every member abides by the team's code of conduct.

Related Words

  • conforms to
  • acts in accordance with
  • keeps within
  • follows instructions
  • complies with requirements

1.2. Observing laws and legal obligations

To conduct oneself according to applicable laws, legal provisions, and obligations imposed by an authority.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • violates
  • infringes
  • contravenes
  • breaks
  • disobeys
  • transgresses
  • flouts

Examples

  • The company strictly abides by environmental regulations to minimize its ecological footprint.
  • Every business must abide by the laws governing its industry.

Related Words

  • legislation
  • legal compliance
  • statutes
  • regulations
  • legal obligations

VERB

2. Fulfilling promises, agreements, or obligations

To carry out or fulfill something that one has promised, agreed to, or undertaken as an obligation.

2.1. Honoring agreements and commitments

To fulfill the terms of an agreement or commitment and ensure that its agreed conditions are carried out.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • Both parties abided by the terms of their agreement.
  • The organization abides by its commitments to its employees.

Related Words

  • fulfills obligations
  • honors commitments
  • carries out agreements
  • meets requirements
  • keeps promises

2.2. Keeping promises and pledges

To remain faithful to a promise or pledge by doing what one has said or formally undertaken to do.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • She abides by every promise she makes to her family.
  • A trustworthy leader abides by the commitments made during the campaign.

Related Words

VERB

3. Maintaining or supporting principles and beliefs

To remain committed to a particular principle, belief, position, or set of values and continue acting in accordance with it.

3.1. Following personal or ethical principles

To consistently follow moral standards, personal convictions, or guiding principles in one's conduct.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • In our household, everyone abides by the principle of mutual respect and understanding.
  • She abides by her ethical principles even when doing so is difficult.

Related Words

3.2. Supporting or defending a position

To support, advocate, or defend a particular belief, position, policy, or cause and remain aligned with it.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The representatives abide by the position publicly endorsed by their organization.
  • The members abide by the principles their association advocates.

Related Words

  • promotes
  • reinforces
  • strengthens
  • endorses a position
  • stands behind

VERB

4. Accepting or submitting to a decision

To accept a decision, ruling, authority, or established arrangement and act accordingly rather than resisting it.

4.1. Accepting a decision or ruling

To accept a decision or judgment as authoritative and follow its outcome, even when one may personally disagree.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • After the court issued its final ruling, the parties abided by the decision.
  • The committee abides by the resolution reached during the meeting.

Related Words

4.2. Submitting to authority or instructions

To accept another person's authority or direction and follow what is required without resistance.

Synonyms

  • obeys
  • submits to
  • yields to
  • acquiesces to
  • heeds
  • follows
  • takes orders from

Antonyms

Examples

  • The employees abide by the instructions given by their supervisor.
  • The members abide by the authority of the elected leadership.

Related Words