1
as in to complex
to make complex or difficult
the need to go to both a PTA conference and condo board meeting really complicates tonight's schedule
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
the kind of complicate machinery that is used in the field of robotics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complicate
Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Both are complicated in terms of staging it outdoors in the UK given the weather conditions, but it has not been ruled out.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The shift would send states scrambling and complicate parents’ efforts to get young children vaccinated ahead of the coming respiratory virus season.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Verb
It was filed nearly three and a half years after the 2020 election and levels complicated conspiracy charges against the 18 defendants.
—Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Both are complicated in terms of staging it outdoors in the UK given the weather conditions, but it has not been ruled out.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
Families today are more anchored: two-income households complicate moves, aging demographics keep older homeowners in place, and many are locked into mortgage rates under 4%, unwilling to trade up into costlier loans.
—Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The shift would send states scrambling and complicate parents’ efforts to get young children vaccinated ahead of the coming respiratory virus season.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
-
At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating, and global competition is intensifying.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
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As supporters continued singing, waving flags and celebrating into the evening, anticipation for the match only intensified.—
J.M. Banks
June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
In the years following 2020, cities nationwide experienced alarming increases in homicides, shootings and other crime as the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, destabilized local economies and deepened distrust in public institutions.—
Diane Goldstein,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
This will surely bring up some complicated emotions.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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Behind the glitter, grooves and Grammy-winning legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire sits a more complicated story, revealing a more personal side of the band’s founder, Maurice White.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Critics wondered whether prices would crash before kickoff, and if swathes of empty seats would embarrass FIFA’s pricing strategy.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
With no league and no roadmap, a ragtag group of players and an unlikely coach endured a grueling two-year training camp, hoping simply not to embarrass their nation at the first-ever World Cup on American soil.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Ongoing construction worsened the situation, but shortly after the interchange, traffic eased.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
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China’s economic imbalance worsened in May as retail sales fell at the fastest pace in years, while industrial output accelerated, new data showed.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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The Art Nouveau design incorporates ceiling frescoes, terra-cotta floors, and intricate woodwork.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
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Some limited sets are as affordable as $25, while the largest, most intricate sets can cost up to $500.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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But there were also perplexing moments that punctured the gravitas of the event (even for an event built around hand-to-hand combat).—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
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Aryna Sabalenka being asked to dance after defeating Naomi Osaka in the French Open has one former American tennis star perplexed.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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He was removed from last Sunday’s game against the Mets after aggravating his hamstring running out a single.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 June 2026
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Finding timely health care has been hard, aggravated by a lack of transportation.—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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