complicate matters
idiom
: to make a situation more complicated
To (further) complicate matters, they both have the same name.
Examples of complicate matters in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The politics surrounding mass atrocity accusations — genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes — complicate matters further.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Outside the summer months, the weather can turn quickly, and sudden mists, even snow, can complicate matters.
—Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Shine says the optics of Israeli pressure on Washington could complicate matters.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
To complicate matters, Gemma captures the attention of a former king who has designs on her.
—Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complicate matters
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Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Outside the summer months, the weather can turn quickly, and sudden mists, even snow, can complicate matters.
—Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Shine says the optics of Israeli pressure on Washington could complicate matters.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
To complicate matters, Gemma captures the attention of a former king who has designs on her.
—Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complicate matters
Cite this Entry
“Complicate matters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complicate%20matters. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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