1
as in difficulties
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding reception
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2
as in diseases
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
complications set in after the surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complications
Even with a low fatality rate, the virus can cause lasting complications, including brain damage, neurological problems, and blindness.
—
Suhail Bhat, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
People with severe myopia have a higher risk of sight-threatening complications that can lead to even poorer vision.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
But for the first time this year, the Food and Drug Administration only approved the new shots for people at risk for serious complications because of their age or health, causing widespread confusion and frustration.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
In season 2, the complications of adjusting to life without Monty are stacking up.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Windowing complications Fremantle’s de Azpiazu said the complicated market situation was hitting distribution strategies.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
The beginning was filled with complications.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
My surgery and recovery presented no complications.
—Maureen Carrig, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
But doctors say the shot’s benefit lies in its ability to reduce the chance the infection will lead to severe complications and death.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
Suhail Bhat, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
People with severe myopia have a higher risk of sight-threatening complications that can lead to even poorer vision.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
But for the first time this year, the Food and Drug Administration only approved the new shots for people at risk for serious complications because of their age or health, causing widespread confusion and frustration.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
In season 2, the complications of adjusting to life without Monty are stacking up.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Windowing complications Fremantle’s de Azpiazu said the complicated market situation was hitting distribution strategies.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
The beginning was filled with complications.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
My surgery and recovery presented no complications.
—Maureen Carrig, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
But doctors say the shot’s benefit lies in its ability to reduce the chance the infection will lead to severe complications and death.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complications
Noun
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Common reasons to grant extensions include if the resident is applying for FEMA funds, facing difficulties finding a contractor or working through an insurance claim.—
Tamia Fowlkes,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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Maybe so—and a coming wave of insider stories attesting to Weiss’s difficulties in asserting her authority strikes me as the most inevitable outcome of this affair.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While many consider the mammal a nuisance for raiding garbage cans and damaging property, raccoons can also carry diseases, and they probably shouldn't be kept as housepets.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Consuming too many calories paves the way for obesity and related diseases like Type 2 diabetes.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The titillating drama explores the complexities of dominant-submissive relationships and fetishes, as Ray gets aroused by making Colin lick his boots, buy his groceries and sleep at the foot of his bed.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
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My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Hospitalization is necessary for most patients and the disease has a case-fatality rate of about 20%, which is far greater than other foodborne illnesses.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Timely treatment of acute illnesses and consistent management of chronic conditions or special needs are also vital to prevent deterioration and long-term consequences into adulthood.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For a more comprehensive mind-body tune-up, guests can opt for a multi-day Paths to Wellbeing program, which targets specific ailments, such as insomnia.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
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Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of last season, isn't close to returning, and Pearsall and Jennings have what appear to be more minor ailments.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Shortly before Biden left office in January, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas granted an extension of the protections through October 2026 because the conditions in Venezuela warranted it.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
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The spacecraft can reach speeds above Mach 20, maintain extreme conditions for longer durations, and sustain heavy g-forces.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Pathogens in human poop can remain active for a long time – over a year in outdoor environments – meaning that waste left behind today can cause severe gastrointestinal disease and other sicknesses for future visitors.—
B. Derrick Taff,
The Conversation,
29 Aug. 2025
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All their triumphs, all their sleepless nights, their loves and hates, their sicknesses, their schemes, their rises to power and their falls from it -- all gone.—
Paul Prather,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2016
Noun
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Orbán has long sought to consolidate his power through concocting scapegoats for Hungary’s ills.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
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Pandora has opened her box and its ills are fully integrated into our world.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complications.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complications. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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