complicate 1 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce complicate (audio)
Definition of complicatenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deepen
to make more severe asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complicate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkäm-pli-kət How to pronounce complicate (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 complicate
Verb
The sporting events also raise questions about how fandom and favors can complicate civil discourse. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 The atmosphere will make life complicated for Fed chairman Kevin Warsh next week. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Fires in salt cedar can create spotting conditions and complicate suppression efforts, especially on windy days, when embers are carried ahead of containment lines, according to the department. — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 4 May 2026 Trump’s announcement, suggesting the US would police ships that have paid Iran a toll to transit the waterway, threatens to escalate naval activity and further complicate countries’ efforts to get energy from the region. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
  1. intensify
  2. deepen
  3. complicated
  4. embarrass
  5. worsen
  6. intricate
  7. perplex
  8. aggravate
Verb
  • Concerns intensified earlier this month when a 30-year Treasury auction drew weaker demand than the prior month, despite elevated yields.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Netanyahu and Erdogan have a long-running public feud, which intensified dramatically during the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • One of the most powerful figures in Iran has said that the US campaign of maximum economic pressure will fail — in a further sign that Iran’s hardline leadership is unwilling to compromise despite a deepening economic crisis.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, my curiosity about this particular repertory blind spot of mine has deepened to an extent.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepen
Adjective
  • Some 400 firefighters have been battling the blaze, aided by helicopters flying overnight, officials said, but high winds had complicated efforts to contain it.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But deciding what to do with that money has become more complicated because cash itself is once again producing a meaningful return.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • For example, a relative’s benign remark about the texture of a turkey dinner at a family gathering might be interpreted by someone with schizophrenia as a statement meant to embarrass them.
    — Matthew Kurtz, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
  • College students should not have to worry about their parents embarrassing them to an audience of thousands.
    — Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Ford said in an interview published Monday that Canada should be prepared to cut off electricity exports to the United States if the trade war worsens, putting a potentially powerful weapon on the table.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • According to a recent survey published by Deloitte, consumer sentiment remains shaky, with 57% of Americans expecting the economy to worsen in the next six months — the highest figure the company has reported since 2020.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of worsen
Adjective
  • Bridges and overhangs were clean, confirming excellent exposure calibration and the printer's ability to resolve intricate features without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Those jurisdictional questions look to set up a pretty intricate set of arguments before the judge gets to the merits of the case.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of intricate
Verb
  • As crime units and crime tape surrounded the house, neighbors who knew the officer are perplexed.
    — Anna Meiler, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Gibson Nash, 21, was charged with first-degree murder after a series of perplexing events eventually led police to his mother’s bloodied body.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • Canada had threatened to retaliate against any new tariffs with levies of its own, aggravating a trade fight between countries that sold each other $880 billion worth of goods and services last year.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Regardless, the lure of short-form cricket aggravates the Test situation.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggravate

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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