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overcomplicated

adjective

over·​com·​pli·​cat·​ed ˌō-vər-ˈkäm-plə-ˌkā-təd How to pronounce overcomplicated (audio)
: complicated to an excessive degree : overly difficult to understand or explain
an overcomplicated system/plot
overcomplicated assembly instructions
The dishes were never overcomplicated, yet were subtly complex …Thomas Matthews
overcomplicate transitive verb
overcomplicated; overcomplicating
no need to overcomplicate the process
… just watch the ball and hit it and try not to overcomplicate things. Colin Munro

Examples of overcomplicated in a Sentence

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.
The farms Colicchio bought from were celebrated right on the menu, and their wares were not overwhelmed by overcomplicated cooking. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025 Many CRMs are just overcomplicated and ill-designed with the sales rep in mind. K. H. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 27 Oct. 2025 To be fair, both versions of the story are a little overcomplicated. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Technology should support businesses in their current state, not force them to conform to rigid systems or overcomplicated processes. John Case, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025 The customization can also make the game a tad too overcomplicated, a funny contrast to the mindless destruction. PC Magazine, 16 July 2025 But the humor is forced to compete with seriously overcomplicated plotting in a sequel that entangles its horror comedy roots with uninspired espionage elements, becoming a convoluted mishmash with shades of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Mission: Impossible and the Austin Powers franchise. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025 But many doctors say the process has become overcomplicated and overly expansive, frequently delaying necessary care. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcomplicated was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Overcomplicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcomplicated. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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