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Definition of completenext
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as in to complement
to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point the well-attended concert completed a great weekend of arts and entertainment events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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complete

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb complete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close, conclude, end, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would close be a reasonable alternative to complete?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

In what contexts can conclude take the place of complete?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace complete?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might finish be a better fit than complete?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would terminate be a good substitute for complete?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of complete
Verb
There are completed balloons everywhere, and the day-shift members are collaborating instead of competing. Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 For many claims, the process still requires documentation and can take months to complete. Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
Here's your complete guide for how to wash clothes with vinegar to enjoy softer, better-smelling fabrics. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 The agency says the list may not be complete. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • The offense finished 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
  • His home run tied the score at three apiece, and Tucker wasn’t finished.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • In the primary bathroom, Italian art students hand-painted the mirrors with similarly metallic hues, which complement the brass basins hammered by a Lebanese artist.
    Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026
  • The cozy yet dynamic pub with guest rooms highlights the building’s original character with beams, wood floors, and open fireplaces, complemented by contemporary touches.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The agreement between Iran and the US, which went into effect Wednesday, ends all military operations, including in Lebanon.
    Pamela Avila, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
  • In April 2023, Finland joined NATO in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military non-alignment.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The operators of Sakura Market hope to fulfill the numerous grocery and dining needs of people downtown.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • Making savings while fulfilling our mission means a doubly difficult time for everyone.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Our entire family is devastated by this great loss.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The company has been pursuing eliminating its entire legacy copper landline system across the state to replace it with advanced fiber optic networks.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The researchers describe the work as a proof of concept that opens the possibility of harnessing the ocular microbiome to treat eye diseases, rather than a finished clinical therapy.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
  • But, as Manuel said, there’s still a way to go before October, and the Sox are far from a finished product.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But for users who want a more comprehensive view of their finances — including investments and long-term goals — Monarch Money offers a compelling feature set that helps justify its cost.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The battle that follows — a muddy and mean scrum — is even more ghastly, partly for its utter pointlessness.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • All to the utter indifference of a Hollywood that hadn’t even bothered to hear of him.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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