complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
Synonyms of complicationnext
1
a
: complexity, intricacy
especially : a situation or a detail of character complicating the main thread of a plot
b
: a making difficult, involved, or intricate
c
: a complex or intricate feature or element
d
: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes
2
: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition

Synonyms of complication

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Examples of complication in a Sentence

The negotiations stalled when complications arose. Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS. She experienced complications during her pregnancy. The patient died of complications from surgery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between 30% and 50% of patients can avoid a biopsy by doing an MRI, significantly reducing the risk of finding clinically insignificant cancer (that doesn’t need treatment) and of complications caused by biopsies. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 Fowler, who led the Atlanta tax division of the former accounting firm Arthur Andersen and served as chairman of the PATH Foundation board for 25 years, died July 27 in Sea Island, Georgia, from complications of multiple sclerosis. — Adrianne Murchison, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 2026 In the midst of several complications, Brianca began hemorrhaging. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Jackler says he's seen many patients with complications from nicotine use. — Joseph Kim, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complication was in the 15th century

Rhymes for complication

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Browse Nearby Words

complicateness
complication
complice
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Cite this Entry

“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

complication

noun
com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
1
a
: an act or instance of complicating something
b
: a situation or detail of character that complicates a plot
c
: a complex feature or element
d
: something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
we were unable to agree when complications arose
2
: a disease or bodily condition existing at the same time as and affecting the course or severity of another disease or condition

Medical Definition

complication

noun
com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
: a secondary disease or condition that develops in the course of a primary disease or condition and arises either as a result of it or from independent causes

More from Merriam-Webster on complication

Nglish: Translation of complication for Spanish Speakers

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